NRDC Reacts to Governor Newsom's 2026–27 Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO – In his final state of the state address, Governor Gavin Newsom touted the state’s commitments to clean energy, health, affordable housing, and climate leadership. 

The following is statement from Victoria Rome, senior director of California government affairs, Center for Campaigns & Organizing, at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council): 

“Governor Newsom made clear that California will move forward forcefully with our clean energy and climate progress. As the fourth-largest economy in the world, California has an opportunity and an obligation to continue leading, especially as the federal government tries to take us back to the days of smog-filled skies. The governor’s proposed budget would backstop the loss of federal incentives so that more Californians can purchase a clean vehicle. This is a strong signal in a tight budget year.  

“Additionally, California voters doubled down on climate investments with their approval of Proposition 4 in 2024, and the legislature and governor extended our state’s climate program, cap and invest, to 2045. These investments are improving energy affordability, public health, and bolstering communities against extreme weather disasters. There is more work to be done, but with the governor’s state of the state and proposed budget, we are optimistic for a clean, affordable future.” 

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).