California Climate Leadership During Earth Month

Earth Month Perspective: California Leading with Action on Climate

April 21, 2026 - Earth Month is a reminder of both the beauty of our planet and the shared responsibility we carry to protect it. It is a time to celebrate progress, renew our commitments, and recognize the leaders and communities driving meaningful change.

This year, the momentum was especially tangible as I delivered remarks on behalf of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to kick-off SF Climate Week at Oracle Park on April 16, highlighting California’s continued leadership under Governor Gavin Newsom and the urgency of accelerating climate solutions.

California has long been a global beacon for climate innovation, and today that leadership is more important than ever. I am proud to stand at the center of an effort that is not only transforming our state’s energy systems, but also demonstrating that ambitious climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand.

Since 2000, California has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 percent, as our economy has grown into the fourth largest in the world. This growth has not occurred in spite of our climate goals, it has happened because of them. Clean energy investments, forward-thinking policies, and strong public-private partnerships have created jobs, strengthened communities, and positioned California as a global leader.

At the CPUC, we are turning climate ambition into tangible action. Since 2020, we have brought more than 31,000 megawatts of new large-scale clean energy resources, such as solar and wind, onto the grid. This includes more than 15,000 megawatts of battery storage, a critical advancement that makes renewable energy more reliable and cost-effective.

Looking ahead, more than 20,000 megawatts of additional clean energy projects are already in development through 2030. These build healthier, more resilient communities and create economic opportunity across the state.

In 2025, California reached a historic milestone, running on 100 percent clean electricity for part of the day almost every day of the year. This achievement reflects years of coordinated policy, innovation, and commitment, and it is only the beginning.

At the same time, we recognize that affordability must remain front and center. Clean energy is not only better for the environment; it is increasingly the most cost-effective option available. By reducing reliance on volatile global natural gas markets, renewable energy helps stabilize costs for consumers while advancing our climate goals.

Beyond large-scale infrastructure, the CPUC is also focused on empowering Californians to be part of the solution. Through initiatives that support building electrification, clean transportation, and energy efficiency, we are helping individuals and families make choices that lower emissions, improve comfort, and increase resilience in the face of climate change.

California’s leadership also extends far beyond our borders. Climate change is a global challenge that demands global collaboration. In the absence of strong national leadership, California has stepped up, partnering with governments and organizations around the world to advance shared solutions. Our participation in international climate efforts underscores a simple truth: meaningful progress requires cooperation at every level.

This Earth Month, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility and move forward together, building a cleaner, more equitable, and more resilient future for all. If you’re interested in joining the CPUC on this journey, take a look at our career opportunities.

By Leuwam Tesfai, Executive Director, CPUC

Related Topics

• Climate

Related Divisions

• Executive Director