In a recent meeting of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation, key stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for California to prioritize funding and policies that address climate change and its impacts on communities. The discussions highlighted the importance of reauthorizing the cap-and-trade program and ensuring continuous funding for various climate initiatives.

Julia Levin from the Bioenergy Association of California underscored the necessity of aligning funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) with the state's climate change scoping plan. She stressed that reducing short-lived climate pollutants and protecting natural lands are critical to achieving California's climate goals. Levin pointed out that converting organic waste to energy not only mitigates climate change but also creates jobs and boosts the economy.

Rico Mastrodonado from the Trust for Public Land called for ongoing appropriations for urban greening and forestry programs, noting that rising global temperatures lead to more extreme weather events. He argued that proactive funding is essential to prepare communities for these challenges.

Erica Parker from California Against Waste highlighted the importance of stable funding for recycling programs, which have proven effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She warned that inconsistent funding could lead to increased costs for local governments and residents.

Several speakers, including Bonnie Benuel from the Climate Center and Sofia Vercoa from the Coalition for Clean Air, echoed the call for dedicated funding for nature-based solutions and clean transportation initiatives. They emphasized that these strategies not only address emissions but also provide significant public health benefits, particularly for low-income communities.

The meeting also featured discussions on the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program, with advocates arguing for its continuous funding. They pointed out that this program has successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions while providing affordable housing near transit, benefiting low-income families.

As the subcommittee continues to deliberate on these critical issues, the outcomes of this meeting could significantly shape California's approach to climate resilience and sustainability. Stakeholders are hopeful that the legislature will prioritize funding that not only addresses climate change but also supports vulnerable communities across the state.