An environmental group is calling out California Governor Gavin Newsom’s climate leadership with a six-figure ad campaign aimed at battleground states. The group claims that Newsom’s actions have “significantly undermined climate progress,” particularly criticizing his failure to close the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility, site of the largest methane leak in U.S. history.
Governor Newsom’s Broken Promise on Aliso Canyon
In his 2018 campaign, Gov. Gavin Newsom made a strong promise to shut down the Aliso Canyon facility, vowing to do so as quickly as possible. He had expressed his commitment to closing the site, acknowledging its environmental dangers, and even calling the methane leak a “public health disaster.” However, six years later, Aliso Canyon remains open, despite the Governor’s previous assertions that he would shut it down.
$100,000 Ad Campaign Targets Newsom’s Climate Record
In a bold move, Food & Water Action, a political advocacy group focused on combating climate change, launched a $100,000 ad campaign in Nevada, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Michigan. The campaign directly challenges Gov. Newsom’s record on climate leadership, focusing on his failure to deliver on his promise regarding Aliso Canyon.
The ads highlight the Governor’s inconsistent policies and accuse him of siding with the oil and gas industry by allowing the facility to stay operational, a decision the group claims directly contradicts his stance on climate change leadership.
Newsom Defends His Energy Policy
In response, Daniel Villaseñor, spokesperson for Gov. Newsom, defended the administration’s position. He stated that Newsom’s energy policy is ambitious and designed to ensure a smooth transition to renewable energy without placing undue financial burdens on working families.
“We are committed to closing Aliso Canyon safely, but it would be irresponsible to do so before demand for natural gas declines,” Villaseñor explained. He emphasized the importance of balancing the transition to clean energy with ensuring affordable energy prices for residents.
Criticism of Newsom’s Climate Actions
Despite some positive steps towards climate change reform, including limiting oil drilling, Newsom has faced criticism from environmental groups. According to Mitch Jones, Deputy Director of Food & Water Action, Newsom’s climate record falls short of national leadership aspirations.
“While Newsom has taken some important steps, like addressing oil drilling, his policies have seriously undermined climate progress, especially with his lack of action on rooftop solar, his support for dirty biogas, and failure to shut down Aliso Canyon,” Jones stated.
Aliso Canyon’s Ongoing Importance
Despite the controversy, Aliso Canyon remains a critical facility for California’s energy infrastructure, helping to prevent price spikes in natural gas, according to the Energy Information Administration. Environmental groups, however, continue to push for its closure due to the ongoing environmental and health risks it poses.
Newsom’s Potential 2028 Presidential Bid and Climate Leadership
The ads were launched amid growing speculation that Gov. Newsom might run for president in 2028. As a strong supporter of President Biden during the 2024 election, Newsom has been seen as a potential candidate for the Democratic Party’s top spot in the upcoming presidential race.
With Newsom’s second term ending next year, discussions about his future political ambitions continue to heat up, with his climate record being an important factor in his potential national campaign.
Source: Fox News
