Energy and the Environment
Summary of Position
Congressman DeSaulnier recognizes climate change for the existential threat that it is and, beginning with his time as a member of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), he has been a proud champion of policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, and mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. He is a firm believer that the challenges of climate change also present enormous opportunity and strong, forward-looking energy and environmental policy will be a key driver of growth, innovation, and competitiveness. While fueling economic growth, rigorous environmental protections will protect the health of all Californians.
By the Numbers
- Practically 100% of the global warming witnessed over the past 150 years can be attributed to human activity. The planet’s average surface temperature has already risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century, with most of the warming occurring in the last 40 years.
- If we do not cut carbon emissions in the next 30 years, rising sea levels, more extreme weather, and water and crop scarcity may cause as many as 143 million people to be displaced. Since 2008, there have already been approximately 21 million displacements annually.
- California had more than 400,000 jobs in clean energy in 2022, and was the top state for clean energy job growth.
- In California, there were almost 450,000 new zero-emission vehicles registered in 2023, which is a 30% increase from 2022. California exceeded its goal to sell 1.5 million EVs two years ahead of schedule.
- The Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law in 2022, provided a historic investment of $369 billion for climate solutions. This investment across all industries is expected to reduce over 40% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.
Things to Know
- Member of the House Safe Climate Caucus and Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), and co-chair of the SEEC Climate Jobs Task Force
- Earned a 100% on the League of Conservation Voters 2023 Scorecard
- Authored the Clean Corridors Act, which passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, and provides funding to establish a network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.
- Crafted policies to assist with the implementation of the California Global Warming Solutions Act, the first program in the country to take a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, as a California State Legislator
Working for You
Supporting Workers Transitioning Out of the Fossil Fuel Industry
Congressman DeSaulnier authored two efforts – the Protecting Workers for Clean Future Act and the Justice for Local Communities and Workers Act – to bring community leaders, industry, environmental groups, and the workforce together to provide fossil fuel workers with meaningful support to ensure they are not left behind when the economy transitions away from fossil fuels. Programs like these would help Contra Costa better prepare for the impacts to the local workforce and economy from refinery closures.
To learn more about Congressman DeSaulnier’s efforts to create jobs through the energy transition, click here.
Fighting Against the Climate Crisis
Congressman DeSaulnier is committed to addressing the climate crisis to protect public health and our communities. He proudly supported the Inflation Reduction Act,which was signed into law in 2022 and provided a historic investment of $369 billion for climate solutions. The programs supported by this bill include promoting clean energy innovation, electric vehicle tax credits, advancing zero emission heavy duty vehicles, climate pollution reduction grants, and drought mitigation. Congressman DeSaulnier has also supported efforts to address wildfires, conservation of water, and the reduction of air pollution.
Holding Fossil Fuel Refineries Accountable
Congressman DeSaulnier is a leader in Congress in ensuring that refineries are held accountable for their lack of commitment to worker and community safety and health. Over the past few years, there have been a rising number of violations and alarming incidents at some of the refineries in Contra Costa County. The Congressman called on the Environmental Protection Agency to further monitor and inspect the most troubling refinery and continues to push for more proactive reform to protect safety across the refinery industry.
Protecting the Delta and Water
For years, there have been varying plans to construct a tunnel that would carry water from the Delta further south to the rest of California. Congressman DeSaulnier has consistently fought against all of the different variations of the Delta tunnel (also known as the Delta Conveyance Project), as it would exacerbate water quality issues, increase water scarcity in the Delta and surrounding communities, and harm Delta habitat and wildlife.
For a downloadable copy of Mark's energy and environment work, click here:
