Sacramento, CA – Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal of a $214 billion state budget plan today –with allocations to fight wildfires, tackle drought, and transition to clean energy –State Senator Ben Allen (D –Santa Monica), chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and co-chair of the Environmental Caucus, released the following statement.

“As Californians continue navigating multiple widespread emergencies, I appreciate Governor Newsom’s commitment to mitigating the wildfire and climate crises, and to supporting a circular economy with a reformed recycling system. I am encouraged by the governor’s focus on making our transportation sector greener with proposed investments in zero-emissions vehicles; transit and rail projects; and bicycle and pedestrian pathways that connect our communities while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. I am especially excited by Governor Newsom’s dedication to clean energy, to growing and protecting our public parks, and to drought resiliency and decarbonization of buildings. The more smart investments we make in these areas, the greener and brighter our future becomes.”

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Ben Allen represents the 26th State Senate District, which consists of the Hollywood, Westside, and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County, and serves as Chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and the Joint Committee on the Arts.