Chop Wood, Carry CA 9/20 ☀️
Hey, Team CA!
This is going to be a long one, but I recommend reading to the end if you care about climate, democracy, and/or mini donkeys.
I’m going to start off with a few bill-related actions- before we get into it, it’s worth noting that Governor Newsom’s phone lines are open 9 to 5 and tend to be a bit glitchy. If you’re unable to get through to him, just try again later.
SB 1374 has passed the Senate, and is on Gov. Newsom’s desk. This is common sense legislation that will allow schools and renters to use solar energy, helping with costs and sustainability. Please give Gov. Newsom a call ASAP to make sure he signs it! (Details and sample script courtesy of Indivisible Marin)
Sample Script: Gov Newsom phone: (916) 445-2841
"My name is ____. I live in _________.
I am calling to ask the Governor to sign SB 1374. We are counting on him to be a climate leader. We cannot get to our climate goals without rooftop solar in as many homes as possible.
Please make sure that schools and renters have the ability to benefit from solar energy. This is a hugely popular climate bill to help affordability. It should be an easy yes for the Governor.
Thank you for relaying this message to the Governor.
Thank you!”
AB 2684 also needs some help being pushed across the finish line. This legislation would allow counties and cities access to the funds they need to protect residents from the effects of extreme heat. Visit this link for more info and instructions on how to write to Gov. Newsom.
On to SB 1047, a bill that would regulate AI and create some actual standards and accountability for Big Tech. Naturally, tech companies are actively working to stop this bill, so it needs all the help it can get. Here are a few low-lift things you can do (h/t Indivisible California):
Take action on social media: Visit the action hub and use the tools provided to tweet, post, and spread the word across your networks.
Sign the ResistBot petition: Send a letter directly to Governor Newsom’s office urging him to sign SB1047. You can also do this by texting SAFE AI to 50409.
Call the office at (916) 445-2841. Press "1" for English and press "6" to speak to a representative. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail and say something like "SB1047 is the true test of whether he will stand up to Big Tech lobbying or cave to corporate pressure. There is 77% public support behind this bill, we need Governor Newsom to sign SB 1047 into law."
Send an email. Follow the instructions found in these slides. Visit https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/, select "An Active bill" then scroll down to SB 1047 and select that, then select "leave a comment" and hit next. Your stance is PRO. Then make a comment. You can adlib or say something to the effect in #3.
OK, one last bill-related ask! The California legislature has passed 3 critical oil and gas bills that protect local democracy, tackle the climate crisis, and defend public health (h/t Center for Biological Diversity):
AB 3233 affirms the rights of local governments to protect their residents from oil and gas pollution.
AB 1866 requires oil companies to plug their idle wells more quickly or pay increased fees, protecting public health and creating thousands of new jobs.
AB 2716 imposes fines on low-production wells that are putting communities at risk in the largest urban oil field in the country.
The Governor only has until September 30 to sign these bills.
Call the Governor’s office today at (916) 445-2841. Here’s what to say:
“Hello. My name is ____ and I live in _____. I am calling to urge the Governor to sign three important bills: AB 3233, AB 1866, and AB 2716. Together these bills will protect communities from deadly pollution, advance our state’s climate goals, and hold the oil industry accountable for its actions. Please sign these bills as soon as possible. Thank you.”
Leave a message if you get through to voicemail.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to make these calls. While Gov. Newsom’s staff may not appreciate it, the residents of CA will.
Up next: elections. As you probably know, we NEED George Whitesides to win CA-27 this Fall- this is easily one of the most important House races in the country. The campaign’s Weekend of Action is taking place tomorrow (9/21) and Sunday (9/22), with options to canvass in the Antelope Valley or Santa Clarita. Jon Lovett of Pod Save America will be joining the Santa Clarita canvass tomorrow at 1pm!!
Click here to join the Antelope Valley Weekend of Action.
Click here to join Santa Clarita.
Lastly, attend what sounds like a ridiculously awesome fundraiser for Derek Marshall (CA-23) in Joshua Tree. There will be food, drinks, sound political opinions, music, and yes, mini donkeys (!!). Mr. Marshall is an avid environmentalist and supporter of reproductive freedom running against a hardline MAGA Republican. Click here to learn more about his campaign and policies.
The event takes place on September 30- here is the link to get tickets. If you aren’t able to attend, you can still donate to his campaign!
OK, that’s all for now. Thank you for bearing with me, and for everything you’re doing. More soon!
Jess