Hey there, folks! Let’s talk about California’s bustling legislative scene, where the rubber meets the road for environmental action. Last week marked a significant milestone in the 2023-2024 legislative season—the window for bills to skedaddle out of their birth chambers. We’re talking about Assembly bills scooting through the Assembly and Senate bills doing the legislative waltz through the Senate, all leading up to a flurry of floor votes that wrapped up on Friday, May 24th.
This pivotal moment, affectionately dubbed the crossover, is when bills that have danced their way off the floor of their original house shuffle on over to the other side for a fresh round of scrutiny. Out of the gate, a little more than 2,000 bills were introduced across both houses this session, which is pretty much par for the course.
Assembly and Senate Bill Breakdown
In the Assembly, we saw 931 bills out of 1520 total—that’s a solid 61%—advance to the next stage. The Senate, not to be outdone, pushed forward 479 of the 639 bills introduced, clocking in at a robust 75%, thanks to a tally by the eagle-eyed Chris Micheli. Since we’re in the back half of a two-year session, some of the bills that were playing the long game last year are now sprinting through the legislative racetrack.
Environmental Bills on the Move
Among the hundreds of bills jockeying for position, a significant chunk deals with environmental issues. These green-themed bills are making pit stops at various environmental policy committees. In the Assembly, bills with an eco-twist often pop into Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials, Natural Resources, or Utilities and Energy—sometimes they visit all three. Over in the Senate, environmental impact bills typically swing by Environmental Quality, Natural Resources and Water, or Energy, Utilities and Communication—and yes, they can also make the rounds to multiple committees. After the policy committee powwows, it’s time for the bills to strut their stuff before their respective houses for the big vote.
Environmental Impact Bills in the Spotlight
Despite a looming budget deficit, some high-profile environmental bills are making waves. Let’s dive into a few that are sparking chatter:
- Senator Monique Limon’s SB 1036 aims to clean up the world of voluntary carbon offsets by making it illegal to certify or issue them if the greenhouse gas reductions or enhancements are dubious. This one passed despite a floor alert from a couple of heavyweight environmental groups.
- The California Fossil Fuel Divestment Act (SB 252), championed by Senator Lena Gonzalez, would put the kibosh on public employee retirement fund investments in fossil fuel companies, covering both new and existing investments.
- Senator Anna Caballero’s SB 1420 is all about hydrogen, setting a goal for at least 60% of retail hydrogen to be squeaky clean by 2045.
- Senator Josh Becker’s SB 1374 is a game-changer for utility customers with on-site solar generation, ensuring they get credited for self-consuming electricity just like single-family homeowners do, even when the solar setup and electricity use are metered separately.
- Senator Caroline Menjivar’s SB 1193, which would ground the sale of leaded airplane fuel, soared through on party lines.
- Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 960, focused on making state highway projects more friendly for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders, cleared another hurdle.
- Assemblymember Laura Friedman’s AB 1963, which would show paraquat dichloride the door, is backed by several organizations concerned with human health and environmental well-being.
Local Initiatives and Climate Goals
Several bills are nudging cities and counties to get their act together on climate goals. The Local Electrification Planning Act (AB 1176) and the Pathway to Clean Energy Buildings (AB 593) are just a couple of examples that encourage local strategies for electric vehicle charging and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector.
Oil and Gas Operations: A Local Approach
The Local Environmental Choice and Safety Act (AB 3233) is stirring the pot by giving local governments the power to say “no thanks” to certain oil and gas operations. This comes on the heels of a state Supreme Court decision that’s got everyone talking.
Cleaning Up and Greening Up
Two more bills focused on tidying up oil wells—AB 1866 and AB 2716—are now Senate-bound. Meanwhile, AB 2559 aims to grease the wheels of the EV charger permitting process, and AB 2236 is looking to put a lid on thicker plastic bags. Don’t forget about AB 2513, which would slap a warning label on new gas stoves to alert folks about potential respiratory pollutants.
The Countdown to Recess and Beyond
Mark your calendars: August 31, 2024, is the last call for each house to pass bills before the final recess of the 2024 legislative session kicks in. The Governor then has until September 30, 2024, to sign or veto the bills on his desk. I’ll circle back later this year with a legislative wrap-up to see which environmental bills made the cut—or got the axe.
But wait, there’s more! A climate bond is generating buzz among lawmakers as we head into the summer season. Two bills, SB 867 in the Senate and AB 1567 in the Assembly, are vying for voter approval to funnel funds into various climate and environmental projects. Both have cleared their respective houses, so we’ll just have to wait and see what unfolds.
Over to You: Join the Conversation
Now, I’d love to hear from you. What environmental bills have you got your eye on? Any you’re cheering for, or think should get the boot? Drop your thoughts in the comments. And remember, I’ll be back with that wrap-up later. In the meantime, soak up the summer sun and stay tuned for the legislative drama that’s sure to keep unfolding. Catch you later!
Tags: California environmental law, legislation, oil and gas, Sacramento