Leadership Change in California Assembly Continues Legacy of Climate Leadership

(SACRAMENTO, Ca. – June 30, 2023) Today, Assembly Member Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) will be sworn in as the next Speaker of the California Assembly. He succeeds Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), the second-longest serving Speaker in California history.

• Statement of Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director

“Environmental Defense Fund is deeply grateful to Speaker Rendon for his years of leadership on, and support for, climate action and resilience, especially for communities on the frontlines of climate change. He was instrumental in extending California’s landmark cap-and-trade program in 2017, supported significant climate and water investments throughout his tenure including unprecedented climate spending in last year’s budget, championed SAFER at the State Water Resources Control Board to ensure safe drinking water for communities, and helped ensure an equitable and ambitious climate package was delivered to the Governor’s desk in 2022. With his thoughtful and collaborative approach, Speaker Rendon has been essential to California’s legacy of climate leadership.

“As Speaker Rivas takes the helm, Environmental Defense Fund is confident California’s role at the forefront of climate action will continue. During his time in the Assembly, Speaker Rivas championed creative solutions to complex challenges such as the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program to support communities and reduce demand on groundwater. He has also worked tirelessly to support farmworkers and ensure safe and affordable drinking water for all Californians living with contaminated water sources. Speaker Rivas’ ability to bring a diversity of stakeholders together in search of nuanced approaches will serve him well as California’s next Assembly Speaker and we look forward to supporting him in that effort.

“We wish to congratulate both of these exceptional Assembly Members on the important roles they have, and will, play in California’s environmental legacy.”