State of California Archives: on Environment


Kevin Mullin: Establish new regional groundwater sustainability agency

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:Conduct inspections and, because the willful refusal of an inspection lawfully authorized by an inspection warrant is a misdemeanor, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Legislative Outcome: 8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4; State Rep. Kevin Mullin voted YES; signed by Governor Brown

Source: California legislative voting records for AB 1739 & SB 1168 Aug 29, 2014

Adam Gray: Voted NO to new regional groundwater sustainability agency

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:Conduct inspections and, because the willful refusal of an inspection lawfully authorized by an inspection warrant is a misdemeanor, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Legislative Outcome: 8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4; State Rep. Adam Gray voted NO; signed by Governor Brown

Source: California legislative voting records for AB 1739 & SB 1168 Aug 29, 2014

Adam Gray: Eliminate pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary: AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society: The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; State Rep. Adam Gray voted YES; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting record AB 96 Sep 4, 2015

Kevin Mullin: Eliminate pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary: AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society: The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; State Rep. Kevin Mullin voted YES; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting record AB 96 Sep 4, 2015

Alex Padilla: Ban single-use plastic bags

The California Plastic Bag Ban Veto Referendum, also known as Proposition 67, was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in California as a veto referendum. It was approved.
Source: Ballotpedia.org:California ballot measure voting record AB32 Sep 30, 2014

Antonio Villaraigosa: Added 669 acres of open space & 1,549 miles of bikeways

To mark his time as mayor, his staff put together a 60-page book, titled "Straight from the Heart of L.A." that details his accomplishments over the past eight years. Among the accomplishments:
Source: Huffington Post on 2014 California Governor race Jun 23, 2013

Antonio Villaraigosa: Modernize CEQA to allow new construction projects

Villaraigosa said leaders will have to address how California delivers water and examine ways to make the business climate more friendly amid the constant concerns of environmentalists, he said. "If you can modernize (the California Environmental Quality Act) to build a football stadium," Villaraigosa asked to applause, "Why can't you modernize CEQA to build a hospital?"
Source: Sacramento Bee on 2018 California gubernatorial race Feb 1, 2017

Arnold Schwarzenegger: $11B for water bonds to invest in future water flow

We here in this room made history with the most comprehensive water package in nearly half a century. We brought all the stakeholders together and we got it done.

And now we must work very hard so that we pass the $11 billion in water bonds that will be on the ballot this November. And Democrats and Republicans will have to travel up and down the state to educate the people of California why those bonds are so important.

Because some people say "how can we afford these bonds in the current economic climate?" I say, how can we not?

It is the law that you cannot build a school or that you cannot build a factory or that you cannot build an office building or a housing development without identifying first a source of water. Our economy cannot grow without water.

Now is exactly the time to invest in it, so that when Californians turn on that faucet there is safe and reliable and clean water coming out that tap and not just five years from now but 30, 40 and 50 years from now.

Source: California 2010 State of the State Address Jan 6, 2010

Bill Jones: Supports the ban on drilling oil off the California coast

California has the nation’s best environmental programs but the state is hurt by too many conflicting federal agencies and their rules. Jones supports the ban on drilling oil off the California coast and the federal government should buy out the remaining leases, as it has done in Florida. Also, federal environmental grants should be combined into a block grant to the State, to be spent on the critical environmental needs as identified by Californians.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website JonesForCalifornia.com “Issues” May 2, 2004

Brian Dahle: Keep pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary:˙AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society:˙The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome:˙Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; Brian Dahle voted NO; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: California legislative voting records: AB 96 Sep 4, 2015

Brian Dahle: Don't ban single-use plastic bags

The California Plastic Bag Ban Veto Referendum, also known as Proposition 67, was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in California as a veto referendum. It was approved.

Legislative outcome:

SB270 passed Senate 22-15-3 on 8/29/14; Brian Dahle voted NO; passed House 45-31-3 on 8/28/14; approved by Gov. Brown, 9/30/14

Source: Ballotpedia on California ballot measure voting record SB270 Sep 30, 2014

Brian Dahle: NO to new regional groundwater sustainability agency

NO to new regional groundwater sustainability agency Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:˙AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:

Legislative Outcome: 8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4, including NAY vote by Brian Dahle ; signed by Governor Brown

Source: California legislative voting records: AB 1739 & SB 1168

Connie Conway: Voted NO to new regional groundwater sustainability agency

Legislative Counsel's Digest:AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:Legislative Outcome:8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4, including Nay vote by Rep. Connie Conway ; signed by Gov. Brown
Source: California legislative voting records for AB 1739 & SB 1168 Aug 29, 2014

Connie Conway: Voted NO on $48M for hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Legislative Outcome:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Connie Conway voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Connie Conway: Don't ban single-use plastic bags

Legislative Outcome:AB 32 passed Senate 22-15-3 on 8/29/14; passed House 45-31-3 on 8/28/14; Rep. Connie Conway voted NO; approved by Gov. Brown, 9/30/14
Source: California legislative voting records: SB270 on Prop 67 Aug 28, 2014

David Hadley: Eliminate pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary: AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society: The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; State Rep. David Hadley voted YES; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting record AB 96 Sep 4, 2015

Delaine Eastin: Don't give up on a clean environment; not on my watch

[Six gubernatorial candidates from two parties participated in one debate]: After other candidates talked about the need to scale back some environmental regulations to address the housing crisis, Eastin went on the attack. "We're not giving up on a clean environment, not on my watch," she said. She also suggested that a realistic number of new homes is 300,000 a year, an undisguised slap at Newsom and Villaraigosa, who have called for 500,000 new homes each year.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle on 2018 California governor race May 8, 2018

Gavin Newsom: Pro-active on energy and resource management

As a member of the State Lands Commission, Gavin has worked hard to ensure that California is addressing its nuclear and clean energy future through the development of its first strategic plan in over 18 years. It sets the highest levels of safety and preservation for California's resources under its jurisdiction, and ensures that California's economic growth is balanced with smart, future-oriented management of our state's natural resources.
Source: 2018 California Gubernatorial website GavinNewsom.com Sep 1, 2017

Gavin Newsom: The water we drink & the air we breathe hang in the balance

So deep does the California Dream run in the history and character of our state that it can feel as enduring as our primeval forests or our majestic mountain ranges. But there is nothing inevitable about it. Every dream depends on the dreamers. It is up to us to renew the California Dream for a new generation. And now more than ever, it is up to us to defend it.

California has always helped write America's future. And we know the decisions we make would be important at any time. But what we do today is even more consequential, because of what's happening in our country.

People's lives, freedom, security, the water we drink, the air we breathe--they all hang in the balance. The country is watching us. The world is waiting on us. The future depends on us. And we will seize this moment.

We will prepare for uncertain times ahead. We will be prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars, pay down debt, and meet our future obligations. But let me be clear: we will be bold.

Source: 2019 California governor inaugural (State of the State) Jan 7, 2019

Gavin Newsom: Invest more in fighting wildfires, tackling historic drought

Fighting Wildfires: The Blueprint provides $648 million to support firefighters, and more helicopters and dozers, along with an additional $1.2 billion--building on last year's $1.5 billion investment--to step-up forest management.

Tackling the Drought: On top of last year's $5.2 billion water package, the Blueprint makes an additional $750 million investment for immediate drought response to aid residents, farmers, and wildlife as California continues to grapple with a historic drought.

Source: 2022 State of the State Address to California legislature Feb 10, 2022

Gloria La Riva: Increase fuel efficiency standards; and don't build nukes

Q: Do you support strengthening fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles?

Yes.

Q: Do you support federal funding for the development of alternative energy?

Yes.

Q: Do you support the development of nuclear reactors?

No.

Source: California Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2010

Jay Obernolte: Keep pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary: AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society: The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; State Rep. Jay Obernolte voted NO; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting record AB 96 Sep 4, 2015

Jerry Brown: Ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Jerry Brown: Banned shark fin harvesting to protect sharks and ocean

Governor Brown signed legislation to protect the oceans and environment. AB 376 bans the possession and sale of shark fins in California. The practice of cutting the fins off of living sharks and dumping them in the ocean is not only cruel, but it harms the health of our oceans. Researchers estimate that some shark populations have declined by more than 90%, portending grave threats to our environment and commercial fishing. In the interest of future generations, I have signed this bill.
Source: California 2011 gubernatorial press release #17264 Oct 7, 2011

Jerry Brown: $14B to build tunnels and restore San Joaquin Delta habitat

1/6 of our water flows through the San Joaquin Delta. If because of an earthquake, a 100-year storm or sea level rise, the Delta fails, the disaster would [cause] losses of at least $100 billion and 40,000 jobs. I am going to do whatever I can to make sure that does not happen. My proposed plan is 2 tunnels 30 miles long & 40 feet wide, designed to improve the ecology of the Delta, with almost 100 square miles of habitat restoration; [it will cost about] $14 billion. That is big but so is the problem.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to California Legislature Jan 24, 2013

Jerry Brown: $25B for water-shortage farmland

The governor wants to see long-term solutions to the state's water shortage, possibly in the form of two 35-mile tunnels running under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a $25 billion project that would eventually move water to a parched area of farmland. And this year, he will back a proposed ballot initiative that would direct state dollars into a rainy-day fund, money that could help the next governor deal with the next recession.

"I'm not interested in a Jerry Brown legacy, whatever the hell that might be," Brown said. His initiatives, he said, will help cope with an influx of millions of new residents over the forthcoming decades. "We're not a homogenous state where it's easy to have 60% or 70% of the people agree on things. There are divisions," he went on. "These are longer term, serious, societal commitments that help knit us together as a people."

Source: Washington Post on 2014 California gubernatorial race Feb 28, 2014

Jerry Brown: $48M for funding hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013.
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 28, 2013

Jerry Brown: CA out front in addressing climate change

Besides the immediacy of the drought, there is the overarching threat of a warming climate. Incredibly--though last year was the hottest on record--there are still those who are in denial. The Paris climate agreement was a breakthrough and California was there leading the way. Over 100 states & provinces have now signed on to our Under 2 MOU. The goal is to bring per capita greenhouse gases down to two tons per person. This will take decades and vast innovation. But with SB 350, we're on our way.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to California legislature Jan 21, 2016

Jerry Brown: Establish new regional groundwater sustainability agency

Legislative Counsel's Digest: AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:Legislative Outcome: 8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4; signed by Governor Brown
Source: California legislative voting records for AB 1739 & SB 1168 Aug 29, 2014

Jerry Brown: Deal with pollution at local level

When you passed cap-and-trade legislation, you also passed a far-reaching air pollution measure that for the first time focuses on pollutants that disproportionately affect specific neighborhoods. Instead of just measuring pollutants over vast swaths of land, regulators will zero in on those communities which are particularly disadvantaged by trains, trucks or factories.
Source: 2018 California State of the State address Jan 25, 2018

Jerry Brown: Eliminate pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary: AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society: The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting record AB 96 Oct 4, 2015

Jimmy Gomez: Establish new regional groundwater sustainability agency

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest: AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:

Legislative Outcome: 8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4, including AYE vote by Rep. Jimmy Gomez; signed by Governor Brown

Source: California legislative voting records for AB 1739 & SB 1168 Aug 29, 2014

Jimmy Gomez: $48M for funding hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Jimmy Gomez voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Jimmy Gomez: Establish new regional groundwater sustainability agency

Legislative Counsel's Digest: AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:Legislative Outcome: 8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4, including AYE vote by Rep. Jimmy Gomez; signed by Gov. Brown
Source: California legislative voting records for AB 1739 & SB 1168 Aug 29, 2014

John Cox: Environmental regs crush business

Cox called for reducing regulations and repealing and replacing a longtime state environmental law to decrease income inequality in California. "The inequality gap in this country is all about the crushing regulations, not least of which in California is CEQA," or the California Environmental Quality Act, Cox said at the California Economic Summit in San Diego. The law "has basically crushed the ability of people to start their own business," he said.
Source: Los Angeles Times on 2018 California gubernatorial race Nov 2, 2017

Kamala Harris: Prosecuted polluters for illegal dumping and air pollution

Harris also has a strong history of going after polluters. As district attorney, she created San Francisco's first Environmental Justice Unit and went after cases involving illegal dumping and air pollution. As attorney general, she went after companies including BP, Chevron, Comcast, Cosco Busan, ExxonMobil, and South California Gas Company, with Cosco Busan agreeing to the largest settlement of its kind for its 2007 spill in the San Francisco Bay.
Source: Jacobin Magazine on 2018 California Senate race Aug 10, 2017

Kamala Harris: Civil business penalties should go to protect public health

Harris has introduced a series of regulatory changes to Proposition 65 meant to curb frivolous lawsuits. The law, originally passed by voters in 1986, forces businesses to post warnings about the presence of toxic chemicals in products, homes and in the workplace. The proposal seeks to ensure that a greater share of civil penalties paid by businesses go to fulfilling the law's purpose of protecting public health, said Kristin Ford, press secretary for Harris.
Source: BizJournal: California legislative voting records: Prop. 65 Sep 29, 2015

Kevin de Leon: $48M for funding hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Kevin de Leon voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Kevin de Leon: Ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Kevin de Leon: Eliminate pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary: AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society: The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; State Sen. de Leon voted YES; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting record AB 96 Sep 2, 2015

Lou Correa: Establish new regional groundwater sustainability agency

Legislative Counsel's Digest: AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:Legislative Outcome: 8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4, including AYE vote by Rep. Lou Correa; signed by Governor Brown
Source: California legislative voting records for AB 1739 & SB 1168 Aug 29, 2014

Lou Correa: Don't ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Mark DeSaulnier: $48M for funding hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Mark DeSaulnier voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Mark DeSaulnier: Ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Michael Eisen: EPA needs to be more transparent and avoid using hidden data

"They're right that government agencies should strive to use science that people have access to," says geneticist Michael Eisen, who is running for Senate. "The EPA is problematic when it relies on hidden industry data that people can't evaluate, and the public has every right to be skeptical of those decisions. The best way to protect against that is to have sunshine on the data."
Source: The Pump Handle weblog on 2018 California Senate race Apr 11, 2017

Michael Eisen: EPA needs to be more transparent and avoid using hidden data

[On EPA policy]: "They're right that government agencies should strive to use science that people have access to," says geneticist Michael Eisen, who is running for Senate. "The EPA is problematic when it relies on hidden industry data that people can't evaluate, and the public has every right to be skeptical of those decisions. The best way to protect against that is to have sunshine on the data."
Source: ThePumpHandle.org blog on 2018 California Senate race Apr 11, 2017

Mimi Walters: Voted NO on $48M for hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Mimi Walters voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Mimi Walters: Don't ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Norma Torres: $48M for funding hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Norma Torres voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Norma Torres: Don't ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Pete Aguilar: Fight for more sustainable development

As Mayor of Redlands, I've fought for more sustainable development. I am firmly committed to strengthening our clean air and water standards, promoting investments in clean energy technology and strongly support a new passenger rail line to help reduce heavy traffic and pollution. Our children's future depends on it, and I am pleased to have the California League of Conservation Voters support my campaign for Congress.
Source: 2014 California House campaign website, PeteAguilar.com Nov 7, 2014

Ro Khanna: Promote open space and sustainable agriculture

Ro knows we need to safeguard our environment for the new century. As a member of Congress, he will:
Source: 2016 California House campaign website RoKhanna.com Nov 8, 2016

Rob Astorino: I love our natural beauty, but we need to find balance

A true climate-change response must be national or international in order to have any effect, Kashkari said, and a robust state economy will bring more tax revenues that can be spent in part on basic research into clean energy sources and other climate-change solutions. "I love our natural beauty, we have to protect the environment, but I believe we need to find the right balance," he said.
Source: Inside Bay Area Buzz on 2014 California governor race Feb 21, 2014

Rob Bonta: Eliminate pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary:AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society:The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome:Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Rep. Rob Bonta voted YEA; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting records AB96 Sep 2, 2015

Rob Bonta: Establish new regional groundwater sustainability agency

Legislative Counsel's Digest: AB 1739, together with SB 1168, creates a new, regional system for monitoring and managing groundwater. This bill would provide authority to a groundwater sustainability agency to:

Legislative Outcome: 8/27/14: Passed Senate, 26-11-3; 8/29/14: Passed Assembly, 47-28-4; Rep. Rob Bonta voted YEA; signed by Governor Brown

Source: California legislative voting records AB1739 Aug 29, 2014

Rocky Chavez: Voted NO on $48M for hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Rock Chavez voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Rocky Chavez: Don't ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Salud Carbajal: Preserve huge open spaces for future generations to enjoy

Our coastline and natural environment are renowned. It is our responsibility to preserve the unique communities, scenic views, and open spaces along the Central Coast. I have worked to bring Democrats and Republicans together to preserve huge open spaces for future generations to enjoy. I am proud to have served on President Obama's task force on climate change to come up with a range of sustainable solutions to be implemented at the state and local levels.
Source: 2016 California House campaign website SaludCarbajal.com Nov 8, 2016

Steve Knight: Voted NO on $48M for hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Steve Knight voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Steve Knight: Don't ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Ted Lieu: Expand resources for water recycling

Ted Lieu has been a champion for the environment:Ted Lieu's environmental priorities:
Source: 2014 California House campaign website, TedLieu.com Oct 10, 2014

Ted Lieu: $48M for funding hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Ted Lieu voted YEA).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Ted Lieu: Ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Tom Del Beccaro: Increase water supplies rather than fining citizens

California is in the midst of one of its many droughts. To combat the current drought, the otherwise do-nothings of the California Water Resources Board are proposing to fine citizens they call "water hogs" $500 per day. Instead of fining helpless consumers, California's government should do its job for once and seriously increase water supplies. The California governments have done very little to significantly increase water supplies in over 40 years, even though its population has doubled during that period of time.

California has been subject to considerable droughts over the centuries, lasting up to 20 years in a row. The President and others are selling the canard that the current drought is the result of global warming or climate change. The fact that we had decades- long droughts years before industrialization doesn't matter to them as they bloviate over a drought of several years.

Source: Forbes magazine on 2016 California Senate race Jun 7, 2014

Tom Del Beccaro: Farmers bear the brunt of a plethora of regulations

Year after year, government policies have been aimed squarely at California farmers as if they are the bad guy. One of the greatest advancements in the history of mankind occurred when one region of the world was able to produce such a surplus of food that it was able to send it to less fortunate regions. In doing so, they helped to alleviate food shortages and starvation. For more than 100 years, California farmers have played a key role in that effort. You would think that such a valuable economic resource would be cherished, promoted and helped at every turn. Incredibly, that is not the case in California. Instead, the California farmer bears the brunt of many a legislative or regulatory bulldozer.

California Air Resources Board standards on sprinkler pumps; restrictions on insecticides, fungicides and fumigants; and a plethora of government agencies capped by one of the highest income tax rates in the nation--all combine to put us at an economic disadvantage.

Source: Forbes Magazine OpEd on 2016 California Senate race Jan 14, 2015

Tom Steyer: Ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Jul 2, 2019

Tom Steyer: Regulate confinement of farm animals more humanely

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Jul 2, 2019

Travis Allen: Voted NO on $48M for hybrid and zero-emission vehicles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status:Passed House, 53-20-5; passed Senate 27-10-2; signed by Governor, 9/28/2013. (Travis Allen voted NAY).
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 359 Sep 12, 2013

Travis Allen: Don't ban single-use plastic bags

Source: Ballotpedia.org on California ballot measure voting records Sep 30, 2014

Travis Allen: Eliminate pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary: AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society: The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; State Rep. Travis Allen voted YES; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting record AB 96 Sep 4, 2015

Xavier Becerra: Oppose efforts to roll back environmental protections

Attorney General Becerra is deploying all the Department of Justice's available tools to protect the public health, particularly for vulnerable populations, and to advance environmental justice for communities shouldering the heaviest pollution burdens. Attorney General Becerra will hold the line against President Trump's efforts to roll back environmental protections and to impede California's right to adopt and enforce its own more protective laws.
Source: California Attorney General website: Biden Cabinet Dec 16, 2020

Young Kim: Keep pre-1977 exemption on sale of rhino horn & ivory

Legislative Summary: AB 96 Animal parts and products: importation or sale of ivory & rhinoceros horn. Existing law makes it a crime to import into the state or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product of an elephant. Existing law exempts the possession with intent to sell if the item was imported before 1977. This bill would delete this exemption.

Pro-ban argument by the Humane Society: The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California's ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn, rejecting claims that the ban was unconstitutional. Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "California's ivory ban ensures that illegal elephant ivory is not sold under the guise of legal ivory."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 54-21-5 on Sept/04/15; State Rep. Young Kim voted NO; Passed Senate 26-13-1 on Sept/02/15; Signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Oct/4/15.

Source: Humane Society on California voting record AB 96 Sep 4, 2015

  • The above quotations are from State of California Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Environment.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2016 Presidential contenders on Environment:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org!
Click for details -- or send donations to:
1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
(We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023