California Legislator’s groundbreaking climate policies aim to set a precedent for future climate adaption and disaster preparedness.
(New Haven, CT) – This Monday, California State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) led a discussion on climate adoption and wildfire prevention in vulnerable communities at a workshop hosted by the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
The workshop focused on adapting for future climate conditions. Other speakers included Genevieve Haro-Flores from Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) and Lucas Zucker from Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE).
“In California we realized that in order to be a true climate and environmental leader, we must also lead on issues related to equity,” said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, author of groundbreaking climate change legislation: AB 197 (2016), SB 32 (2016), AB 398 (2017) and AB 617 (2017).
On his first official day in office, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a series of actions aimed at protecting Californians from the growing threat of wildfires and other natural disasters. Garcia looks forward to continuing these crucial policy conversations.
He went on to say, “This year, our golden state has experienced first-hand the devastating effects of natural disasters. As we focus policy investments to prevent and prepare for future catastrophes, escalated by climate, it is imperative that we prioritize our most vulnerable populations – the historically disadvantaged communities that we know are hit the hardest.”
“I am proud of the positive trajectory we have created shifting global warming dialogue from polar bears and melting ice caps to the severe public health and safety consequences facing people.”
“California will continue to progress and take the lead on climate action in a way that raises all our communities with targeted, equitable investments that will not leave our most vulnerable to fall by the wayside.”
During his tenure, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s legislative portfolio has evolved to become synonymous with climate equity the way California is with climate leadership. Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) appointed him as the inaugural Chair of the California Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies, and he currently serves as an Ex Officio Member of the California Air Resources Board. In 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Garcia’s leadership and policy efforts with a national Climate Leadership Award.
