The California state delegation concluded a series of high-level meetings at Climate Week NYC, focusing on the integration of climate policy with economic growth and the expansion of global environmental partnerships.
The delegation, representing the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom, participated in various international forums to advance clean energy initiatives and progress toward expanding the state’s carbon market. The state’s participation aimed to showcase a model of subnational leadership in addressing climate challenges while maintaining a significant global economic presence.
Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot engaged in discussions with international leaders and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to share best practices for meeting climate goals. Crowfoot held bilateral meetings with representatives from Quebec, Catalonia, and the Western Cape to coordinate responses to extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves, and to explore cleaner energy options.
California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia participated in programming related to regenerative farming, zero-emissions transportation, and the reduction of super pollutant emissions. Garcia highlighted the growth of the Subnational Methane Action Coalition, noting the addition of Catalonia to the group. Her efforts also included addressing marine-sector air pollution in partnership with the Port of Long Beach and supporting the Kigali Amendment’s objectives for resilient cooling.
Lauren Sanchez, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, addressed the state’s climate disclosure program, which functions to fill regulatory voids in federal climate disclosure rules. Sanchez also joined discussions regarding the Cap-and-Invest program and the importance of leveraging private investment to support electrification.
