Laura
Deehan

State Director, Environment California

Started on staff: 2002
UC Davis 1997-2001
Laura directs Environment California’s work to tackle global warming, protect the ocean, and stand up for clean air, clean water and open spaces. Laura served on the Environment California board for two years before stepping into the state director role. Most recently, she directed the public health program for CALPIRG, another organization in The Public Interest Network, where she led campaigns to get lead out of school drinking water and toxic chemicals out of cosmetics. Prior to that, Laura ran Environment California citizen outreach offices across the state and, as the Environment California field director, she led campaigns to get California to go solar, ban single use plastic grocery bags, and go 100 percent renewable. Laura lives with her family in Richmond, California, where she enjoys hiking, yoga and baking.

Posts by Laura Deehan
STATEMENT: Governor announces $9 billion in cuts to climate programs in revised budget

Global warming solutions

STATEMENT: Governor announces $9 billion in cuts to climate programs in revised budget

SACRAMENTO -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday released his May Revise to the 2024-25 state budget, announcing $9 billion in cuts and additional delays to state climate programs. The proposal could set back community bike and walking paths, the state’s “Clean Cars 4 All” program, electric vehicle infrastructure, and building electrification. The revision projected an overall budget deficit totaling $45 billion, with even higher projected deficits in subsequent years. The proposal would still maintain $45 billion of the state’s $54 billion climate commitment made in 2022, keeping approximately 83% of climate investments intact; although delaying it from being spent over 5 years to over 8 years.

Media Statements  

Statement: California utility commission increases bills on millions, devalues energy conservation

Clean energy

Statement: California utility commission increases bills on millions, devalues energy conservation

By a unanimous 4:0 vote, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) finalized a plan Thursday to introduce fixed charges on utility bills. The charges will go into effect in late 2025 for customers of the state’s investor-owned utility companies.

Media Releases  

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