California Should Protect Its Lands, Air, Water, and Communities From Climate Impacts

Editor’s note: This page was updated on April 3, 2024, to reflect the addition of more signatories to the letter.

On Feb. 12, 2024, The Pew Charitable Trusts and more than 100 partners—which has since grown to over 150—submitted a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) and state lawmakers urging them to pass legislation placing a bond initiative on the November 2024 ballot to support investments in the communities and natural resources most affected by climate change.

The letter from climate, environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, conservation, and other organizations recommended a package of investments to provide Californians with better access to clean water; clean air; open spaces; and healthy working lands, such as farms, forests, and wetlands. Additionally, the letter calls for investments to better protect communities from floods, fires, extreme heat, and other climate impacts.