TIME100 Climate Recognizes Senator Allen for His Work in Climate Policy

Antalya, Türkiye – In their recently released TIME100 Climate List, celebrating 100 climate leaders from around the world, TIME Magazine recognized Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) as a top climate advocate for his work in the California State Senate over the past 12 years.

“Our changing climate poses an existential challenge impacting every corner of this planet. It requires the collective effort of determined citizens, policymakers, educators, and community leaders alike, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with my colleagues in government and the environmental community to advance real solutions that have helped to propel California’s economy, the world’s fourth largest, while also doing right by our environment,” said Senator Allen. “This recognition is humbling. I extend my deep appreciation to my staff who have supported and supercharged this work over the years, my legislative colleagues, and to TIME for recognizing the importance of what we have achieved in California, showcasing to the world what is possible when we are united under a common goal.”

Senator Allen joined California’s Legislature in 2014 committed to environmental protection and climate action. He served as the chair of the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality (2019-2024) and as chair of the Senate Committee on Energy (2026). His work over the years has extended to practically every realm of the climate fight.  Among some highlights:

The Plastic Pollution Crisis

His landmark Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act, and its truth in labeling partnership law, has provided a global roadmap to reduce plastic consumption and greenwashing, improve recycling standards, and provide accountability for the production of these harmful products.

Climate Infrastructure Funding

The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 provided California’s largest climate investment in state history, and the nation’s second-largest only behind the Inflation Reduction Act. Authored by Senator Allen, the climate bond unlocked $10 billion for the state to improve its water infrastructure and clean energy buildout, and our fire prevention, conservation, and natural resource protection efforts.

Clean Energy

Beyond the climate bond, Senator Allen served as chair of the Senate Committee on Energy in 2026 and helped to push the state’s buildout of clean energy and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

Hazardous Materials

Thanks to Senator Allen’s expertise in extended producer responsibility policy, the waste management of toxic household items, such as paint and mid-size batteries, will now be managed by the producers of such products, helping to relieve the environmental harm posed by inappropriate end-of-life handling.

Conservation

After Senator Allen cut red tape to streamline California’s State Parks’ ability to accept and acquire land, the state announced the creation of three new state parks and the growth of existing parks by 30,000 acres by 2030, advancing conservation and our 30x30 initiative.

Water Quality

After the United States Supreme Court gutted federal water quality protections in 2023 for many of our waterways, Senator Allen had proposed a path for California to uphold the regulations and protections previously provided by the Clean Water Act. He also worked on policy that would have prohibited the use of forever chemicals (PFAS) in six distinct product categories, including cookware, to reduce the ever-increasing burden PFAS are posing on public health, water quality, and infrastructure.

Senator Allen’s district encompasses the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, two communities which have been decimated by wildfire over recent years. Californians have also become increasingly familiar with ongoing challenges from drought, flood, landslide, sea level rise, and air quality, demonstrating the importance of the coastal state’s commitment to climate stewardship.

Now a father to two young children, the work has become even more meaningful. “We are blessed to live in California where we are surrounded by natural beauty and a population committed to protecting the environment. It is up to us to preserve this special place and California’s leadership position in the world.”

This week’s TIME100 Climate recognition capstones Senator Allen’s time in the State Senate as he reaches his term limit at the end of this year.