Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas appoints new committee chairs with significant implications for climate policy
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has recently announced a major shakeup in the leadership of energy and environment committees in the Assembly. These committee chairs will play a crucial role in shaping climate policy and deciding which bills move forward in the upcoming legislative session. Rivas has chosen a mix of allies and newcomers, each with their own perspectives and expertise, to oversee key areas such as water, transportation, housing, natural resources, and energy. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Rivas’ picks and their potential impact on California’s energy and climate agenda.
PAPAN TO WPW: Assemblymember Diane Papan, a close ally of Speaker Rivas, has been chosen to oversee water, parks, and wildlife. Papan’s policy record is mixed, but she has shown a commitment to climate resilience and local water issues. As a business moderate, she is expected to take a more measured approach compared to her predecessor, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. Papan’s appointment will be closely watched to see how she navigates the fault lines between agriculture, cities, and the environment.
TRANSPORTATION TEA LEAVES: Assemblymember Lori Wilson will head the influential Transportation Committee, replacing Assemblymember Laura Friedman, who is running for Congress. Wilson’s environmental scorecard is not as perfect as Friedman’s, and she has received endorsements from the California Building Industry Association, which has often aligned with highway construction and sprawl. However, environmentalists are hopeful that Wilson will continue Friedman’s efforts to align transportation spending with climate goals and bring accountability to Caltrans. With her background as an auditor, Wilson is well-suited for the job and is expected to ask tough questions.
WARD TO HOUSING: Assemblymember Chris Ward, known for his strong record on climate and housing, will chair the Housing and Community Development Committee, replacing Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. Ward has previously tried to pass legislation to map disaster-prone areas inappropriate for development and upzone in climate-smart regions. With his expertise, Ward could bridge the divide between developers and low-income communities, as well as between YIMBYs (Yes In My Backyard) and environmental groups.
BRYAN TO NATURAL RESOURCES: Isaac Bryan, a Los Angeles progressive, has been named chair of the Natural Resources Committee, surprising many political observers. Although Bryan does not have an extensive background in environmental policy, he has been involved in environmental justice fights and criminal justice reform. His appointment is not expected to lead to a significant policy overhaul in the committee, but it will bring a fresh perspective to the table.
ENERGY SHAKEUP: Cottie Petrie-Norris, who previously chaired the Accountability and Administrative Review Committee, will now lead the Utilities and Energy Committee. This unexpected pick by Rivas shows his willingness to bring in new voices. Petrie-Norris has never sat on the Utilities and Energy Committee but chairs an Assembly select committee on green innovation. Her appointment will be closely watched to see how she navigates the complex issues surrounding utilities and energy.
Conclusion: Speaker Rivas’ picks for energy and climate posts signal a new era of leadership in the Assembly. With a mix of allies and newcomers, Rivas has assembled a diverse group of committee chairs who will shape California’s climate policy agenda. It remains to be seen how these chairs will navigate the complex issues at hand, but their appointments offer hope for progress on climate resilience, transportation, housing, natural resources, and energy. As the Legislature reconvenes in January, all eyes will be on these committee chairs to see how they steer California towards a more sustainable future.
Leave a Reply