While Gavin Newsom is busy selling himself as the leader to take on Trump, he’s also selling out to Big Oil. During one of the highest-profile climate moments of the year, as the UN General Assembly, Climate Week NYC, and the UN NDC Summit (Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs, are national climate action plans by each country under the Paris Agreement) converge in New York, Indigenous environmental justice, community, and climate justice groups gathered to hold him accountable for backtracking on key climate and community health commitments, and siding with Big Oil interests. Activists from California and across the country rallied.
Newsom spent years positioning himself as a climate champion. But, less than a week ago, he signed SB237 — a bill he spearheaded — into law, massively expanding in-state drilling, while claiming it and other “energy affordability” bills as a climate victory.
ACTION: Let Governor Newsom know he needs to stand up to Big Oil!
“It’s never been more clear that Donald Trump’s agenda hinges on fossil fuel expansion. As Governor Newsom touts his climate record on the national and international stage, we must not let him forget that it takes more than words to be a climate leader. He must stop caving to Big Oil interests and instead act to hold Big Oil accountable and advocate for the safety of our unique and beautiful environment and our vibrant communities,” said Food and Water Watch California director Nicole Ghio.
“Governor Newsom wants to take on Trump, but he must realize that he can’t do that without also taking on the fossil fuel industry that props him up .… To truly be the leader we need for a livable future, Newsom has to do more than talk a big game, he must take real action, side with the people, not polluters, and implement a plan to get California through the energy transition,” said Ilonka Zlatar, climate justice organizer with Oil & Gas Action Network.