Support Proposition 4

We stand in the strongest support of Proposition 4 with Sierra Club California:

Below is the endorsement letter of Acting Director Bobbi Jo Chavarria:

As we approach the crucial November election with ballots out in less than three weeks, I write to you from Sacramento with a pressing issue at hand—our collective future and the steps we must take to ensure a sustainable and resilient California. Sierra Club California is standing firmly in support of Proposition 4, a vital measure that seeks to protect our environment, enhance safe drinking water, prevent devastating wildfires, and safeguard our natural landscapes from the threats posed by climate change.

Proposition 4 represents a crucial investment in our natural resources and climate resilience, authorizing the state to issue a $10 billion bond aimed at addressing urgent environmental needs. With this measure, we can expect significant strides in several key areas:

• Water Supply and Flood Management: Nearly $3.8 billion is earmarked to enhance both the quality and quantity of our water, repair vital infrastructure, and mitigate flooding risks.

• Coastal Protection: With rising sea levels threatening our coastal regions, Proposition 4 allocates $1.2 billion for restoration efforts and the protection of vulnerable shorelines.

• Parks and Recreational Areas: An investment of $700 million will enhance recreational opportunities, allowing us to expand and renovate our parks while addressing the impacts of climate change.

These funding allocations highlight a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Importantly, the measure mandates that at least 40% of the bond funds benefit lower-income communities, an essential step toward achieving environmental justice. This commitment mirrors a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act which has created hundreds of thousands of green jobs.

However, as we advocate for Proposition 4, we must remain vigilant against the potential for this bond to be misused or diverted into projects that primarily benefit industry and corporate interests with minimal climate gains. We cannot afford to borrow against our future to fund initiatives that do not align with our vision for a sustainable California.

Our support for Proposition 4 goes hand-in-hand with an insistence on transparency and accountability regarding fund allocation. It is imperative that these funds deliver tangible environmental benefits and enhance the resilience of our communities in the face of climate challenges.

For example, as we navigate the complexities of forest management and wildfire prevention in California, our Forest Committee was keen to emphasize that while the need for effective wildfire prevention strategies has never been more urgent, we must approach this challenge with a clear understanding of what truly promotes the health of our forests and communities. 

While modern thinning measures are often touted as the primary solution for mitigating wildfire risks, they frequently disguise the interests of the lumber industry, which may not prioritize the sustainable stewardship of our forests. Such practices can inadvertently disrupt ecosystems and overlook the valuable wisdom gained from centuries of Indigenous land management, especially as we begin to recognize the vital importance of incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into our forest ecosystem protection efforts.

Additionally, as we rally behind Proposition 4, it's also important to acknowledge the urgent need to elect champions for the environment in our state legislature who will be tasked with delivering the intentions of the Climate Bond and more. This election season presents an unprecedented opportunity, with several open seats that could dramatically shift legislative priorities toward sustainable, progressive policies.

Our endorsements are targeted at candidates who have shown unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and climate action. These are individuals who will advocate for renewable energy, enhance protections for public lands, and implement sustainable practices across various sectors. The time has come for strong leadership, as climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s a reality demanding immediate action. The most recent spate of wildfires in Southern California created hazardous health conditions with extreme temperatures and significantly dangerous air quality that put all of us at risk, but especially vulnerable communities like children, elders, and immunocompromised populations.

California is at a crossroads. We face unprecedented environmental issues, from water shortages to wildfires. Proposition 4 is a monumental step toward addressing these crises, and with the right leaders in place, we can ensure its effective implementation.

As November approaches, I urge all Californians to closely examine Proposition 4. Vote YES, support our endorsed candidates, and, together, let’s forge a sustainable future for our state. Let us unite for our planet and our communities, committed to ensuring that our investments yield real and lasting climate benefits.

In Solidarity,

Bobbi Jo Chavarria
Acting Director

Original letter: https://www.sierraclub.org/california/why-we-support-proposition-4

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