California Air Resources Board

Summary

Would have required the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop a Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools on or before March 31, 2026, with input from a number of State agencies, including CARB.

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Governor’s Veto Message

To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 1182 without my signature.

This bill requires the California Energy Commission (CEC), in consultation with multiple state entities, to develop a specified Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools on or before March 31, 2026.

This bill would result in costs in the multiple millions of dollars not accounted for in the 2024 Budget Act. While I support the author's goal of making our schools more climate-friendly and climate-prepared, this proposal should be considered as part of the annual budget process. Notably, last year I vetoed a substantially similar bill based on the same concerns.

In partnership with the Legislature this year, my Administration has enacted a balanced budget that avoids deep program cuts to vital services and protected investments in education, health care, climate, public safety, housing, and social service programs that millions of Californians rely on. It is important to remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications that are not included in the budget, such as this measure.

For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.

Sincerely,

Gavin Newsom

View Governor’s veto message here

Summary 

Would have required the Department of General Services (DGS) to require a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) supplier for state vehicle fleets to certify that the raw materials utilized for the manufacturing of the supplied ZEVs were not mined by child labor. This bill would have also required the ZEV supplier to certify to DGS the locations and hourly wage of the workers that mined the raw materials. This bill also requires DGS to post on its website the specified information provided by the ZEV supplier. Held on suspense in the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

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Would have amended the California Constitution to declare that the people have a right to clean air and water and a healthy environment. Missed deadline for bill passage in the Assembly.

Would have increased the priority population minimum investment amounts for California Climate Investments from 25% to 50% for disadvantaged communities and from 5% to 15% for low-income communities. Was not heard in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.

Summary

Would have required CARB to convene a youth advisory council of 35 members ages 16 to 21 representing each local air district to advise CARB on air pollution issues that impact youth in California. CARB would have been required to conduct public outreach to encourage applications and do additional outreach efforts in areas disproportionately impacted by pollution in each local air district, as well as prioritize those disproportionately impacted by pollution in membership. The bill would have authorized the council to conduct research and other activities with administrative support from CARB. Amended to deal with judicial officer disqualifications.

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Summary

Allows local air districts, in support of Tribal sovereignty, to enter into written agreements with federally recognized California Native American Tribes to allow cultural burning in their ancestral territories without undergoing the permitting, regulatory, or administrative requirements for prescribed burning. In the event of a disagreement between a local air district and a tribe in developing or implementing an agreement, the Secretary for Environmental Protection must assist in resolving the disagreement. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to enter into written agreements with federally recognized California Native American tribes in support of tribal sovereignty with respect to cultural burning in their ancestral territories. The Secretary may agree in the written agreement that compliance with specified permitting or regulatory requirements is not required.

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Summary

Would have required the Senate to direct its policy committees to incorporate more effective equity considerations in their analyses of future energy and climate legislation and would have resolved the Senate to explore methods to integrate equity more formally into its daily activities. Remains in the Senate Rules Committee.

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Summary

Extends the deadline for implementation of various health, safety, and environmental requirements for oil or gas production facilities or wells with a wellhead within a health protection zone.

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Summary

Would have established the Equitable Access to Zero-Emission Vehicles Fund and would make moneys in the fund available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to establish a program no later than January 1, 2025, to offer rebates for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles to underserved individuals, as specified. This bill would have also required CARB to submit a report to the Legislature every two years, starting on or before December 31, 2026, that describes the rebates, recommendations to improve the equitable distribution of the Fund, and any recommendations to better complement the Clean Cars 4 All Program. Was not heard in the Assembly Transportation.

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Summary 

Would have directed CARB to work with the California Transportation Commission (CTC) and Department of Housing and Community Development to create guidance for the programming of projects that expand the physical footprint of a highway to address the impact on the highest 10% of CalEnviroScreen communities. The bill would have required that this guidance be incorporated into the programming cycle, starting January 1, 2028. The bill would have required CTC to "establish a target" to use 15% of annual funds for investments in zero-emission infrastructure, beginning in cycle starting after January 1, 2025, and increase that by 5% each year, until setting the goal of 50%. Held on suspense in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

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