Elected Officials to Protect America (E.O.P.A.) California is a network of elected officials committed to protecting public health and the environment on the road to becoming energy secure.
We help educate elected officials at all levels on energy security solutions. Adding offshore wind to California’s clean energy portfolio is a clear way to reach 100% clean energy as per the state goals while creating thousands of jobs for a clean energy economy. If you are a current of former CA elected official please sign our letter.
Local officials Protecting Communities
Local elected officials are taking bold actions to protect the public health of their communities from life threatening pollution and ensure an energy secure future. California elected officials have:
- Created public health setbacks for oil and gas development in Arvin, Huntington Beach, and Ventura County
- Banned fracking in Alameda, Santa Cruz Counties, and the city of Beverly Hills
- Passed a resolution to phase out oil drilling in Culver City
- Blocked construction of a gas-fired generating station in Oxnard
- Announced the phase out of gas-fired plants in Los Angeles
- Passed a Just Transition motion to plug and remediate nonproductive oil wells in Los Angeles County
Cities, towns, and counties have shown the way. See our catalog of local action to learn more.
We have a letter to the governor asking for him to take more action – like local elected officials have done. If you are a current or former elected official please read the letter and sign it.
As a result of continued actions from these companies, extreme weather is becoming worse and divesting communities across California. What can be done? READ MORE HERE
Leaders Spotlight
Marisol Rubio
“Access to water in our Golden State is at risk of becoming more limited for everyday use like drinking, sanitation, irrigation, and agricultural needs. We must mitigate the climate crisis and accelerate our transition to a clean energy economy. Renewable energy investments will catalyze the creation of thousands of new, well-paying Californian jobs, grow our economy, and, literally save lives. ” ~ Marisol Rubio
In November of 2022, Marisol was elected to the San Ramon City Council District 4 with over 64% of the vote. She previously served as Director and Vice President of the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). She has helped conserve water reliability and supply and worked to replace aging infrastructure with infrastructure supported by green renewable energy sources and always gives visibility to racial and social justice issues.
Marisol has backed bold climate initiatives such as the California Green New Deal, Protecting the Brentwood Urban Limit Line, the Environmental and Climate Crisis Council Platform, Don’t Tax the Sun Rally, and helped organize and Co-Chair the first Contra Costa Labor-Climate Convergence and Labor Climate Task Force, to create more green jobs.
Jovanka Beckles
“Environmental justice is a matter of survival – California oil is among the dirtiest crude in the entire world producing more pollutants and destructive gas than any other, three quarters of fracking wells in California are within 600 meters of groundwater sources; this threatens our water supply.” ~ Jovanka Beckles
Former Director Jovanka Beckles, Richmond AC Transit, Ward 1, is a movement organizer, a former two-term Richmond City Councilmember, a longtime leader in the Richmond Progressive Alliance, a children’s mental health professional.
Jovanka has worked as a counselor, youth educator, team builder and strategist, client advocate, crime prevention specialist, housing case manager for the homeless, and mental health specialist for 32 years and has been a small business owner in the City of Richmond.
Alex Walker-Griffin
“This is an all hands on deck situation and everyone has a stake in what we do. The oil industry continues to rake in billions of dollars with no regard for how it hurts communities that are already suffering from inflation, and the dangerous effects of fossil fuel pollution on our health and climate. People deserve justice. ” ~ Alex Walker-Griffen, Veteran
As Frm. Mayor of Hercules, Alex Walker-Griffen, a veteran, passed a law for all new development to be one 100% electric. Additionally, for homes or buildings that are remodel – more than 50% has to switch to electric. He’s currently working to bring 7 electric vehicle charging station to his city.
As a current council member he works every day for equality and equity for his community.
Local Government Action
Local governments have been enacting laws to protect their communities when the state has failed to lead the way.
Already, more than 115 local governments in California have passed more than 225 local policies to protect their communities from fossil fuels.
In December of 2022, we held an offshore wind summit in Sacramento at the California Energy Commission. We highlighted the need for these floating offshore wind farms for the state to become energy secure. California, with a goal of 25 gigawatts by 2045, has the largest offshore wind commitment. California will deploy deep-ocean floating turbines, similar to those in Europe. The current lease areas of Morro Bay and Humboldt County in California will generate 4.5 gigawatts and power 1.6 million homes. Sign our letter
Closing Toxic Idle Wells
- There are currently 70,000 inactive and abandoned oil and gas wells in California that endanger public health and safety while producing little to no oil. Learn more and take action.
Exposure to toxic air contaminants and other pollution caused by oil and gas wells significantly threatens public health and disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities. EOPA is calling on Governor Newsom to take action for the health and safety of his constituents. Sign our letter to Governor Newsom.