Press Releases

Airports, Aviation Industry Stall Bill to Address Growing Climate Pollution Problem

State Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) was forced to delay SB 720 by the Assembly Natural Resources on Monday.  This first-of-its-kind bill addresses spiking aviation sector climate pollution, and faces intense opposition from airports and the airline industry they serve.   The bill requires airports in the most heavily-polluted low income communities in the state to disclose to the California Air Resources Board greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their operations.

SACRAMENTO, CA- At the house of origin deadline, California’s State Senate green lighted a host of critical climate measures being advanced by the Senate’s California Air Resources Board’s appointee and Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies, State Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles). Stern applauded his colleagues and Senate leadership for continuing to advance climate progress despite a few setbacks with the loss of Senate Bill 12 and 507 before they could be voted on by the full body. 

SB302- Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act

SCA2- One step closer to extending voting rights

SACRAMENTO – On the heels of an agreement between State Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) and Senate Judiciary Chair Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) to delay the hearing of Senate Bill 845, the senators released the following statement:

SACRAMENTO –  One hour into the Senate Energy Committee PUC Oversight hearing, Senator Stern was dismayed to hear that SoCalGas would not be taking the stand to testify while ratepayers are left reeling with gas bills up to 300% higher than usual. The last minute change to their scheduled appearance reflects the same lack of transparency that the company has exhibited as it blindsided everyday families over the last few months with soaring utility bills.

SACRAMENTO – “The question is, how much faith do we have in our young people?” said Senator Stern as he introduced SCA 2 to extend the right to vote to all Californian citizens one year earlier than every other state. Stern added “If we can ask 17 year olds to join our military, and allow 16 year olds to drive a car, then we must surely trust them to vote.”

SACRAMENTO – While soaring utility gas bills have left a gaping hole in family budgets across the southland, Sempra Energy is facing increasing scrutiny for putting executive and shareholder profits ahead of the customers served by the gas utilities they own.