Golden State Today

California celebrated Earth Week with major announcements that deliver cleaner air, economic opportunity, and healthier communities in all parts of the state.

In a significant move to combat the climate crisis, California unveiled 81 targets to use millions of acres of land to help absorb more carbon emissions. Governor Newsom highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions in supporting the state's climate efforts, stating that it is a critical tool in the state's climate arsenal.

Furthermore, the state announced a groundbreaking initiative to address historical wrongs committed against California Native American tribes by awarding more than $100 million for 33 tribal land projects. This funding will be used for ancestral land return, habitat restoration, and climate resilience projects, among others.

California achieved a major clean energy victory by reaching 10,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity, a critical milestone in the state's goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045. The increased battery storage helps maintain a clean and reliable power grid, storing energy from renewable sources for later use.

In another development, state officials celebrated the expansion of the charging network in partnership with Tesla, providing more fast charging options for electric vehicle drivers in California. The state has invested billions in building a robust charging infrastructure, with over 105,000 chargers, including 10,000 fast chargers, available publicly across the state.

On Earth Day, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom dedicated the new state park, Dos Rios, the first new state park in a decade. The park, located in the Central Valley, aims to restore habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife at the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers.

California's commitment to environmental protection was further demonstrated as the state joined the Biden Administration in defending federal clean car rules against a lawsuit filed by Republican-led states. Governor Newsom emphasized California's stance against rolling back clean car standards that prioritize profits over health and the environment.

Governor Newsom also highlighted California's global climate leadership at the annual Petersberg Climate Dialogue, showcasing the state's partnerships and progress in climate action. Additionally, with three new states partnering with California, a third of America's population now has access to Climate Corps programs, demonstrating the state's leadership in this nation-leading initiative.