Environmental Justice League: Seizing Opportunities for a Cleaner, More Equitable California!

As the Environmental Justice League, we’re fired up about the unprecedented opportunities to advance environmental justice through a combination of Proposition 4, Cap-and-Trade revenue, the Chevron settlement, and the newly proposed AB 265! California communities have borne the brunt of pollution for too long, and now we have powerful tools to turn the tide.

It’s time to get organized, get involved, and ensure these funds flow directly to the communities that need them most! We’re not just talking about incremental change; we’re talking about transformative investments in a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future.

Proposition 4: A $10 Billion Climate Bond with Environmental Justice at its Heart

Proposition 4 offers a historic $10 billion in climate bond funding. But it’s up to us to ensure that this money is used strategically to address the needs of disadvantaged communities. Here’s how we can make it happen:

• Demand Equitable Spending: We must hold our elected officials accountable and ensure that at least 40% of Proposition 4 funds directly benefit lower-income communities that are most vulnerable to climate change.
• Prioritize Key Projects: We need to advocate for funding to be directed towards projects like:
  • Safe and affordable drinking water programs, particularly for tribal communities.
  • Forest health and wildfire prevention initiatives that protect communities in high-risk areas.
  • Coastal restoration and sea-level rise mitigation efforts that safeguard our coastal communities.
  • Urban greening projects that combat extreme heat and improve air quality in our cities.
  • Sustainable agriculture programs that support farmers in adopting climate-friendly practices.
• Community Resilience and Extreme Heat Program

Cap-and-Trade Revenue: Powering Community-Led Solutions

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), fueled by cap-and-trade revenue, is another crucial source of funding for environmental justice initiatives. We need to fight for these funds to be invested in projects that:

• Empower Vulnerable Communities: Prioritize investments in community-based air protection programs that monitor and reduce pollution in the areas that need it most.
• Accelerate Zero-Emission Transportation: Support the transition to zero-emission buses and infrastructure in overburdened communities, cleaning our air and creating healthier environments.
• Address Local Pollution Hotspots: Advocate for projects that directly mitigate local air pollution from facilities covered under the cap-and-trade program.

Chevron Settlement: Investing in Richmond’s Future

The recent settlement with Chevron, including $20 million for a Community Air Quality Fund, is a major victory for the Richmond community. But the real work starts now! We need to ensure that these funds are used to:

• Reduce Particulate Matter Exposure: Prioritize projects that demonstrably reduce particulate matter (PM) exposure in communities impacted by the refinery.
• Amplify Community Voices: Demand that the Richmond community has a strong and direct voice in determining which projects and programs receive funding. Money that is for us, should come through us and to us.
• Ensure Transparency and Accountability: Advocate for regular, transparent community reports on the progress and results of funded projects.

AB 265: A New $100 Million Opportunity for Small Businesses and Nonprofits!

Assembly Bill 265 proposes a Small Business Recovery Fund Act, allocating $100 million to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by states of emergency. This is a game-changer for environmental justice groups!

• Direct Support for Recovery and Rebuilding: AB 265 would provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $100,000 to eligible organizations to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
• Invest in Resilient Infrastructure: Funds can be used for infrastructure upgrades, relocation of equipment, and even business relocation to more secure locations. This is a chance to build resilient environmental justice organizations that can withstand future challenges.
• Technical Assistance and Capital Infusion: 10% of the fund is allocated to small business technical assistance centers and the Capital Infusion Program.
• Prioritization for Disaster-Affected Areas: The grant program prioritizes funding for small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by natural disasters referenced in the Governor’s Proclamation of a State of Emergency.
• Reporting to Legislature: The Director of the Office of Small Business Advocate is required to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature on the results of grant funds awarded for each state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor.

It’s Time to Build a Powerful Coalition!

The Environmental Justice League is committed to working alongside community organizations, elected officials, and other stakeholders to seize these opportunities and ensure that environmental justice is not just a slogan, but a lived reality for all Californians.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Sign up for the EJC Coalition and receive email communications on current and upcoming environmental justice funding and advocacy opportunities.
• Contact your elected officials and let them know that you support these priorities.
• Join us in advocating for policies that prioritize environmental justice and hold polluters accountable.

Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future for all!