What matters to me today is Governor Newsom’s Pen.
Hundreds of bills passed by the California Legislature await Governor Newsom’s pen – for either signing into law or death by veto. The Governor has until October 13, 2025, to decide.
Topping my radar is AB 1319 (Schultz). The most recent of California’s anti-Trump measures, the bill would allow near-immediate protection for an untold number of species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). A process of petitioning, analysis, and stakeholder debate would be curtailed to full statutory protection after minimal staff review. Species not yet protected under CESA and for which federal protection are deemed by staff to be “decreased” qualify. The bill waives public notice provisions normally required before affording such sweeping protection. Opponents fear cost and staff gridlock.
Also of early note:
The Governor signed a six-bill package that extended California’s cap-and-trade carbon emissions pricing and trading regime until 2045. The reauthorization has been subject to vigorous conflict, state powerbrokers vying for control in allocating the program’s substantial revenues. While the reauthorization largely kept the program intact as is, there were some notable tack-ons:
- The name is now “cap-and-invest” aligning and signaling potential integration with the State of Washington’s nascent program and expanded revenue spending;
- Support for high-speed rail which faces significant headwinds federally;
- Expands oil drilling provisions in Kern County, stoking anti-fossil-fuel opposition; and
- Sweeping liability protections for utilities related to wildfires.
That’s what matters to me today in 250 words or less. What matters to you? I’d really like to know.