California’s Climate Leadership and the Next Governor

​California has led on climate and environmental policy and implementation for decades - demonstrating that it is possible to deliver a clean environment while also growing the state’s economy. Today, several factors threaten this leadership. Actions at the federal level, including withdrawal of California’s waivers, repeal of EPA’s Endangerment Finding, and outright hostility toward renewable energy generation directly targeting California’s authority.
Increased concerns about the state’s cost of energy, housing and transportation affordability, and quality of life may threaten the potential for additional actions necessary to meet California’s climate targets. Together, these pressures threaten to erode California’s leadership at a critical moment, which could have cascading effects in other states and, even internationally.
California’s next governor will come into office at a pivotal moment to continue the state’s momentum on climate change, while also tackling economic mobility, affordability, housing production, and a combative federal administration. Join us to hear three leading voices in the state share their priorities for the next governor.

This program is co-hosted by CA FWD, California Environmental Voters, and the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment.

Moderator: Louise Bedsworth Executive Director, Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment, UC Berkeley Law
Kate Gordon CEO, CA FWD
Other speakers to be confirmed

​This event is cross-listed on the SPUR website: https://www.spur.org/events/2026-04-20/californias-climate-leadership-and-next-governor

​By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week.