REPORT: CALL FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE GOES TO VOICEMAIL, CA PROGRESS RECEIVES C GRADE

SACRAMENTO, CA — Since 1973, California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) has released the annual California Environmental Scorecard. For over 50 years, it has served as a key educational and accountability resource to create transparency and access for voters on decisions and political dynamics in Sacramento, as well as, how their elected representatives are performing on voters’ environmental and climate justice priorities. Today, EnviroVoters released its 2025 Scorecard.

Last year was a uniquely challenging year for California state officials facing the aftermath of devastating climate disasters, a slew of hostile federal actions, and rising energy, insurance, water and grocery bills for Californians. We started 2025 with an important call to action for state leaders, and lawmakers made some meaningful progress on clean energy, electricity affordability, protecting biodiversity, and fighting back against the federal government. But there were major federal and state rollbacks, missed opportunities, and stalled progress. California’s progress was inconsistent, and corporate accountability wasn’t prioritized — even though 80% of voters want their leaders to do so — resulting in a C grade (78%) on climate progress for 2025.

“Too often the call to action went unanswered in 2025, from catastrophic wildfires, federal rollbacks on our progress, and a worsening affordability crisis with rising insurance, energy, water, and grocery bills,” said Mary Creasman, Chief Executive Officer, EnviroVoters. “California lawmakers need to be an unshakeable force for change and courageous enough to fight the federal government, hold corporations accountable, and advance visionary solutions to this intersectional crisis.”

An analysis included in the Scorecard reveals a significant shift over the last four years: the share of legislators accepting oil money has fallen from 67% in 2021 to just 43% in 2025. This decline reflects a growing recognition among lawmakers that voters are demanding independence from corporate polluters and leadership that puts communities over special interests. 

With just four years left until our 2030 climate deadline, a federal government actively rolling back climate environmental protections, and communities struggling with the physical and financial threats of the climate crisis, there is no room for delay. EnviroVoters is calling on legislators to move at the speed and scale this crisis demands, making bold investments now before this decade closes and the window to avert the worst impacts slams shut.

“Climate action and affordability are not in conflict. They rise or fall together,” said Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), a member of the 2025 Climate Action Caucus. “Californians are feeling the squeeze from rising utility bills, and that reality must shape how we transition to clean energy. With the passage of SB 254 and AB 825 last year, we proved that when we work collaboratively and, creatively, we can lower costs for ratepayers, strengthen grid reliability, and accelerate our shift to zero-carbon energy. Affordability should never be a barrier to clean energy and protecting families while cutting pollution will remain at the center of my work.”

“For far too long, communities in our region have paid the price for warehouse pollution with their health and quality of life. We need bold action to rein in emissions, protect frontline communities, and make clear that economic growth cannot come at the expense of clean air,” said Assemblymember Robert Garcia (D-Rancho Cucamonga), a member of the 2025 Climate Action Caucus. “I’m grateful for EnviroVoters’ partnership in advancing justice, dignity, and the right to breathe without fear.”

“To meet our climate goals and keep the lights on, California must build a grid that is more efficient, reliable, and resilient. Advancing energy efficiency and smart grid regionalization strengthens reliability while lowering costs and reducing pollution across the West,” said Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), a member of the 2025 Climate Action Caucus. “This is how we future-proof our energy system in the face of the affordability crisis.”

The 2025 California Environmental Scorecard includes the following highlights: 

• • – California’s Overall Score: 78%
  • – Governor Newsom’s Score: 82% 
  • – Pro Tem Mike McGuire’s Score: 83%

• • – Speaker Robert Rivas’ Score: 82%

• • – 9 Legislators received a 100% Environmental Score in 2025: Assemblymembers Dawn Addis, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Tasha Boerner, Mia Bonta, Damon Connolly, Ash Kalra, Alex Lee, Celeste Rodriguez, Chris Rogers
  • – Members of the 2025 Climate Action Caucus (environmental champions fighting for bold policy change to address the climate crisis in Sacramento): Assemblymember Garcia, Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, and Senator Becker
  • – Members of the 2025 Polluter Caucus (legislators refused to support—and often even actively worked against—climate policies, as well as authored anti-environment bills): Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, and Senator Tim Grayson

• • – Percent of Legislators Who Accepted Oil Money: 39%

• • – Average Score of Democrats Who Accepted Oil Money: 66%

• • – Average Score of Democrats Who Didn’t Accept Oil Money: 89%

• • – Average Score of Senate Democrats: 82%

• • – Average Score of Assembly Democrats: 83%

• • – Overall Average Democrat Score: 83%

• • – Overall Average Republican Score: 14%

To view the full California Environmental Scorecard, visit here.

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