Testifying for climate action in front of the California Air Resources Board

This update was written by clean energy intern, Emily McCabe

As a student who cares about climate action, I know that the state of California is a leader in climate policy. Last week, I was able to take part in the policymaking process myself when I attended a hearing of the California Air Resources Board as they solicited input on their Draft 2022 Climate Scoping Plan.

In my 2 minutes on the record, I shared my story: I grew up in Northern California, and in 2018, the Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise 15 minutes away from my home. Because my community experienced a climate disaster, at the hearing I emphasized the urgency of creating a plan that gets my state to 100% renewable energy as quickly as possible. The plan currently calls for adding 10 gigawatts of gas plants, which burn methane gas, a potent climate pollutant, to make energy. Instead of perpetuating our reliance on gas,  I encouraged the board to phase out fossil fuels completely.

It was an incredible experience to be able to participate in state politics as a young person. On behalf of Environment California, I was able to advocate for changes will make a real difference.