NRDC Statement on Impact of CA Budget Cuts on Climate Programs

Sacramento - Governor Gavin Newsom announced significant revisions today to his state budget proposal amid the coronavirus pandemic. Facing an estimated $54 billion budget deficit, the governor outlined a series of proposals to close the gap by cutting spending, drawing from the state’s rainy day fund, and calling for additional federal funds.

A statement follows from Victoria Rome, California Government Affairs Director at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“Even in these very difficult times, California’s budget must advance the ’cleaner, more equitable and prosperous future’ that Governor Newsom recently committed to when he launched the Business and Jobs Recovery Task Force. California and the world are suffering through a public health and economic crisis compounded by the climate crisis. The Governor’s budget missed opportunities to advance creative solutions to fund vital climate, public health and environmental programs that save money and create jobs. Over the next month, the legislature and governor face difficult choices. California also needs federal relief. The final California budget agreement must signal that a sustainable, healthy and just economic recovery is non-negotiable.”

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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at NRDC.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.​