2025 has been an extraordinarily hard year.
Between the costliest wildfires in California’s history that leveled parts of Los Angeles communities, ongoing ICE raids that tear families apart, massive federal funding cuts, economic pressures made worse by tariffs, and the President’s attempt to dismantle democracy, we were dealt rough cards this year.
And yet, in these dark moments, one truth remains constant: California has the power — and the responsibility — to lead.
With the help of our partners, legislative champions, funders, and supporters like you, EnviroVoters, the Ed Fund, and our PAC entities were able to achieve some amazing things despite all we faced. From making California safer, healthier, and more affordable, to uplifting our youth, to protecting our natural lands, we have a lot to be proud of.
Here are our top moments of the year for California Environmental Voters:
Made Energy More Reliable and Affordable
Our team tirelessly fought all year against misinformation campaigns by Big Oil to land some big wins on energy. AB 825 strengthens California’s electricity grid by connecting us to the West Coast Market and improving reliability, reducing air pollution, and providing cost savings; and SB 254 funds new infrastructure and keeps rate increases in check, saving families billions while replenishing the state’s wildfire fund.
Protected our Communities, Air, Land, and Wildlife
We helped pass 11 priority bills, including AB 39, which requires large communities to plan for the transition to electrification; SB 352, which upholds local air quality protections for communities most impacted; AB 900, which increases funding for science-based management and stewardship of our natural lands; and AB 1319, which reinforces the Endangered Species Act in the face of federal rollbacks.
Shifted the Narrative on Affordability
In the face of a legislative session marked by inaction on climate because of Big Oil’s PR machine, we launched the “Big Oil is Slick, Don’t Slip” accountability campaign. We blanketed Sacramento spaces to call out the fossil fuel industry’s deception and urge lawmakers to stand up to Big Oil. The campaign successfully helped pressure lawmakers to pass some last-minute climate wins that will make California safer, healthier, and more affordable for all.
Halted the Sell-off of Public Lands
When the Big Ugly Bill passed, and the Trump Administration got their wish to sell off our public lands to destructive oil and mining operations, our federal team leapt into action, launching accountability campaigns in the districts of representatives who voted for it. Through office visits, rallies, and roundtables, we made the land sell-off toxic for these legislators, leading to the removal of them from the budget.
Launched New Sierra Nevada PAC
With public lands and public health actively under attack by the Trump Administration, we launched the Sierra Protection PAC to foster a new wave of climate champions going into 2026 that will locally advocate for our beloved Sierra Nevada. This PAC will support community-driven and environmentally-focused candidates that will serve one of the most resource-rich regions of California.
Defeated Anti-Environmental Policy
Our team defended California against destructive policy, at the state and federal levels. We stopped a dangerous proposal that would have stripped health and environmental reviews for new oil drilling. We also helped secure a veto of a bad bill that would have weakened local air-quality protections. And we passed legislation to block Trump’s efforts to open California’s coastline to offshore drilling.
Led on the Global Stage
We helped establish and now co-lead the California Global Biodiversity Alliance–a network of California leaders, agencies, scientists, and nonprofits–which is now an official observer to the United Nations Biodiversity Conference. As the federal government has failed as a global leader on these issues, it’s critical that the Alliance takes on this impactful leadership role to shape and push for California’s adoption of biodiversity policy and aggressive climate accountability on the global stage.
Our accomplishments prove that when Californians unite, we can take on big, complex challenges—and win. Thank you for joining us in this fight!
See the rest of the 2025 Top 10 on the EnviroVoters Education Fund blog.
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