SACRAMENTO, CA — Since 1973, California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) has released our annual California Environmental Scorecard. For over 50 years, it has served as a key educational, transparency, and accountability resource for voters to get a view on how well their elected representatives are truly acting on climate and, today, EnviroVoters released its 2024 Scorecard.
For the third year in a row, California achieved at least one big win on climate. However, the state’s diminishing focus on climate leadership caused the state’s grade to drop from an A- (91%) in 2022 — the year it earned an A grade — to a B (84%) in 2024, reflecting a drop away from the bold action needed to maintain its status as a global climate leader.
“California has a massive call to action this year in the context of the unnatural devastation in Los Angeles, and the unprecedented attacks from the Trump administration. Our state will have to step up globally, trailblaze the next wave of state climate justice, and protect our progress through litigation and legislation,” said Mary Creasman, Chief Executive Officer, EnviroVoters. “It’s going to take shared vision, partnership, and focus from the Governor, Speaker, and Pro Tem, and all of our state leaders, and we know they are equipped to lead nationally and globally in this moment.”
An analysis included in the Scorecard reveals that over the last three years, the number of legislators who accept oil money has dropped from 65% in 2021 to 51% in 2024. We’re proud that more than half of the new legislators who don’t take oil money were endorsed by EnviroVoters and replaced legislators who did take oil money.
“I’ve made it my mission to lead at the intersection of climate, equity and justice, because these issues are inseparable from the well-being of our communities. By championing policies that address the climate crisis while ensuring good-paying union jobs, I’m working to build an economy that benefits all Californians, especially those in disadvantaged communities. Climate action should not just protect our environment—it should lift up workers, create sustainable opportunities, and advance racial and environmental justice,” said Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a member of the 2024 Climate Action Caucus and the Climate Justice Queen.
“I am grateful to California Environmental Voters for their staunch advocacy and thoughtful partnership over the years. We are facing an existential threat from the climate crisis, and California is on the front lines, whether it’s the rapidly rising temperatures or the Biblical-level floods, droughts, or wildfires we have experienced in recent years. But the most frightening thing about this all is that in 100 years, unless we change course, we will look back and say that the 2020s were among the most benign weather patterns and coolest temperatures we experienced in the past century,” said Congressman Dave Min, a member of the 2024 Climate Action Caucus and the Fossil-Free Homes Champion. “My time in the California State Legislature, working closely with groups like EnviroVoters, has prepared me to be a strong and persistent climate champion, and I’m committed to carry on that advocacy in Congress. I am grateful for the recognition and look forward to advancing priorities like 30×30 codification, ending offshore oil drilling, and continuing the drive to transition our economy away from fossil fuels.”
“I’ve seen the power of coalition building—working alongside advocates like EnviroVoters, community leaders, and fellow legislators is essential to advancing bold, meaningful change. The journey to the ballot was a testament to this power, as we united a diverse coalition to craft legislation that addresses the urgent needs of Californians, especially our most vulnerable communities on the front lines of the climate crisis. Investing in sustainable farming practices, reducing emissions, and supporting farmworker communities not only strengthens our food systems but also protects the health of those most impacted by environmental harm. By continuing to build strong partnerships, we can advance policies that prioritize our communities and lead the way in climate action,” said Assemblymember Lori Wilson, a member of the 2024 Climate Action Caucus and the Sustainable Agriculture Boss.
“Having represented a district that has historically been underinvested in, I know firsthand how critical the $10 billion climate bond will be for communities like mine. This funding will provide essential resources to address environmental injustices, strengthen climate resiliency, and create new opportunities for districts that have been overlooked for far too long. I was proud to help lead the fight to pass this bond and ensure that communities like ours are finally prioritized in California’s climate future,” said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, a member of the 2024 Climate Action Caucus and the Climate Legacy Leader.
With 5 years left until 2030 climate deadlines and 4 years of an anti-environmental federal government, we can’t afford to pause globally or nationally on implementing climate and conservation solutions. EnviroVoters is calling on legislators to invest in climate solutions at the rate and scale required to address our climate challenge before time runs out at the end of this decade.
“For far too long big oil has had a grip on Californian’s health and well-being. AB 3233 puts the power back in the hands of the people by restoring local decision making and ensuring that communities have a seat at the table. Our environment should never be sacrificed for corporate gain, and I remain firm in our fight for policies that prioritize the well-being of our communities, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis, a member of the 2024 Climate Action Caucus and the Community Power Protector.
The 2024 California Environmental Scorecard includes the following highlights:
– California’s Overall Score: 84%
– Governor Newsom’s Score: 80%
– Pro Tem Mike McGuire’s Score: 94%
– Speaker Robert Rivas’ Score: 96%
– 21 Legislators received a 100% Environmental Score in 2024: Assemblymembers Dawn Addis, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Steve Bennett, Tasha Boerner, Isaac Bryan, Damon Connolly, Laura Friedman, Gregg Hart, Ash Kalra, Al Muratsuchi, Diane Papan, Eloise Gómez Reyes, Rick Chavez Zbur, and Senators Ben Allen, Josh Becker, Lena Gonzalez, Monique Limón, Caroline Menjivar, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Henry Stern, and Scott Wiener
– Members of the 2024 Climate Action Caucus (environmental champions fighting for bold policy change to address the climate crisis in Sacramento): Pro Tem Mike McGuire, Congressman Dave Min, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, and Assemblymember Lori Wilson
– Members of the 2024 Polluter Caucus (legislators who refused to support climate policy, even during an epic climate year with many opportunities to lead): Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, Senator Bill Dodd, Senator Steven Bradford, Senator Steve Glazer, and Senator Josh Newman
– Percent of Legislators Who Accepted Oil Money: 51%
– Average Score of Democrats Who Accepted Oil Money: 70%
– Average Score of Democrats Who Didn’t Accept Oil Money: 95%
– Overall Average Democrat Score: 86%
– Overall Average Republican Score: 9%
To view the full California Environmental Scorecard, visit here.
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CONTACT:
Erika Guzman Cornejo
(310) 755-1615
erika@envirovoters.org
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ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
