Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of working with ClimatePlan’s impressive network of over fifty non-profit partners, plus allies in public agencies, the private sector, and academia. Working with such smart, dedicated people — working with you — has been both an education and a great pleasure.

We’re writing to share some bittersweet news. After eight years with ClimatePlan, ClimatePlan’s Director Carey Knecht will be moving on to join the California Air Resources Board as an Air Pollution Specialist with their Sustainable Communities program. Her last day will be September 11. 

Last Friday was the deadline: all bills needed to move out of their house of origin (either the Senate or the Assembly) by the end of last Friday if they wanted to continue forward. It was a flurry of activity in the Capitol as legislators – and advocates – worked hard to ensure key bills that improved the lives of Californians moved forward.

Today, we’re sharing some success stories! Here are a few bills moving forward in the Legislature that we believe will help achieve ClimatePlan’s vision of a healthier and more vital California that supports sustainable, equitable communities, preserves iconic landscapes, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Good news! We’re one step closer to getting California’s transportation leaders to consider how their decisions affect low-income and disadvantaged communities.

AB 179 just passed the State Assembly, in a vote of 44 to 20. AB 179 (Cervantes, D-Corona) would require that one of the 11 voting members of the California Transportation Commission have expertise in environmental justice.

For Immediate Release

April 6, 2017

Coalition statement about passage of SB1

Statement from 32 organizations representing walking, bicycling, public transit, public health, social equity, environmental, and environmental justice concerns on today’s passage of transportation funding bill SB 1

SB 1 will make major improvements to the transportation system in California, and our coalition of more than 80 organization supported many elements of the package. We appreciate the bill’s focus on fixing roads first and investing significant dollars in public transportation and safe walking and biking, yet we believe there is still more work ahead to target and prioritize transportation investment to benefit disadvantaged communities.