Assembly Democrats represent California at Climate Week NYC

Speaker Rivas thanks Assembly colleagues for leadership, keeping California at vanguard of environment and climate policy

• Nick Miller
• Communications Director
• 916-319-2029
• [email protected]

NEW YORK CITY - California Assembly Democrats continued to lead the way during Climate Week in New York City.

Eight members represented the Assembly last week, dedicated to sharing California's accomplishments and exploring new, bold solutions and opportunities for collaboration with other elected officials, governments and climate advocates.

Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) was unable to attend Climate Week this year but thanked his fellow Assembly members who participated, highlighting their leadership in combating the climate crisis and strengthening California's role as a global pioneer in climate mitigation efforts.

"Assembly Democrats continue to show the world what real climate leadership looks like," Speaker Rivas said. "Our members brought California innovation, urgency and commitment to the global stage, and their voices and vision underscore our dedication to accelerating climate action."

During Climate Week, the eight Assembly members joined leaders from around the world to share California's successes and progress on issues such as clean energy, climate resilience and environmental justice. Their participation demonstrates the Assembly's commitment to protecting communities from the worst impacts of climate change while navigating the transition to clean energy and sustainable development.

This follows the state enacting the most ambitious energy affordability and climate packagein years - creating billions in energy savings and thousands of jobs, strengthening the reliability of the power grid, lowering bills for ratepayers, enhancing wildfire protections, and continuing California's leadership in addressing climate change.

The Assembly members who attended Climate Week NYC: Dawn Addis, Tasha Boerner, Mia Bonta, Lisa Calderon, Jacqui Irwin, Diane Papan, Cottie Petrie-Norris, and Celeste Rodriguez.

Statements By Assembly Members Who Attended Climate Week NYC

"As the federal government erases decades of climate work, California is fighting back. At NY Climate Week, our delegation didn't lead by accident, we led with purpose - presenting bold solutions, challenging one another, and inspiring global action. It was an honor to share California's achievements on energy affordability through Cap and Invest and present on both my Local Environmental Choice and Safety Act (AB 3233) and Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (AB 1243), as well as learn from countless others about how to confront the most existential issues of our time. " - Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), Chair of the Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health

"Climate Week in New York City is one of the most important global gatherings to address the climate crisis, and California has a critical role to play in those conversations. As a state on the front lines of wildfires, drought, and sea level rise, it is essential that we share our progress and also learn from others leading innovative solutions. These discussions ensure that the urgency we feel at home is matched with global collaboration and action. California should lead the nation with solutions that are aggressive, innovative, and equitable." - Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas), Chair of the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy

"For Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville, the impacts of climate change are already here. Rising seas threaten our coastal community and pose a risk of spreading toxic chemicals into our land and groundwater. Californians are clear they want a green and livable future, and that's precisely why I was so honored to be among Assembly Democrats at Climate Week NYC. This collaboration is crucial, as securing a sustainable tomorrow will require the collective effort of all of us. I look forward to building upon California's environmental leadership by bringing new ideas and solutions to Sacramento." - Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health

"Globally, California continues to lead the world in climate policy. The extreme weather events in our state are a reminder that we are living in a climate crisis, which is a major factor in our affordability challenges. I enjoyed participating in Climate Week 2025, where conversations focused on strengthening climate resilience through an equitable lens. Under the leadership of Speaker Robert Rivas, the Assembly will continue to make climate action a foundational pillar in our policies on energy, insurance, housing, and emergency management." - Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Insurance

"California's Cap-and-Trade program is the most effective and cost-efficient emissions reduction system in the world, and it is essential that we ensure its continued success," said Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin. "Climate Week highlighted the strong commitment from governments and businesses worldwide to addressing the climate crisis. Representing the Pacific Palisades-where more than 5,000 homes were lost to wildfire just nine months ago-I am reminded that the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of bold climate action." - Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies

"Climate Week is an unparalleled opportunity to share ideas and learn from global leaders," said Assemblymember Diane Papan. "The insights provided to members of the State Legislature in attendance will strengthen our ability to build a more resilient and sustainable future for California." - Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks & Wildlife

"We gathered at Climate Week on the heels of a highly productive legislative session, where we advanced historic measures to improve affordability and accelerate climate action. From extending California's Cap-and-Invest program, to passing the largest energy affordability package in state history, to enabling expansion of our western energy market-these bills will deliver billions in savings for California consumers. But as we celebrated these victories, we also reaffirmed our commitment to move faster, and to do so with affordability at the center. California has long led with bold legislation and ambitious goals; now we must chart the path to achieving them. Our work is far from over-but together, we can turn climate ambition into climate reality." - Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee

"Attending Climate Week in New York is a powerful reminder that climate action is not optional - it's a responsibility we owe to future generations. As a parent, I know we are not bracing for a distant climate crisis; we are living through it now. Our work is to ensure that the next generation is not paralyzed by fear of what's ahead, but instead empowered to shape a more sustainable future. That mission can't wait - it must begin today." - Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando), Chair of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities

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For more information, follow Speaker Robert Rivas at the following social media channels:

Instagram: @caspeakerrivas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CASpeakerRivas/