On Tuesday, September 14, there will be a recall election for the Governor's seat in California. I am making this blog to stress how much we need to vote no on the recall and keep Newsom. While I haven't always agreed with his climate policies, as I thought he could do more, he acknowledges that climate change is a real threat and he has taken some big steps in the right direction. Some examples of this are his executive order to have all vehicles sold by 2035 to be zero-emissions vehicles, his order to ban new oil fracking by 2024, and his plan to spend $4.1 billion on the climate and environment. Meanwhile, Larry Elder, Newsom's main competitor, has said that he seeks to “stop the war on oil and gas” and argues that “global warming alarmism is a crock.” He has also repeatedly denied the role of climate change in California’s worsening wildfire season, instead blaming the blazes on a lack of forest management. Another top candidate, John Cox, has argued the state should produce more natural gas and become the “Saudi Arabia of the West.” (CNBC) It is clear, from many perspectives, but especially a climate one, that Newsom needs to stay in office. If we want to stop the climate crisis, we need to keep a climate-competent person in office. Vote no on the recall.
