Environment And Agriculture
We have a responsibility to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the natural resources that make California such a special place to call home. As a lifelong Californian, I have spent much of my life enjoying the outdoors, and I know how deeply our environment is tied to both our quality of life and our economy.
In the Sacramento region, that means recognizing that environmental stewardship and agricultural strength go hand in hand. Our families, farmers, and local businesses all depend on clean water, healthy air, and long-term investments that make our communities more resilient.
Meeting the climate challenge
Climate change is intensifying drought, wildfire risk, and extreme weather, while putting added pressure on our water supply, public health, and agricultural economy. I believe we need to meet those challenges with practical, science-driven solutions that protect our environment while also supporting innovation, energy security, and good-paying jobs. That means defending California’s ability to lead on clean air and vehicle emissions standards, supporting major clean energy investments, and making sure federal policy helps communities adapt to a changing climate rather than leaving them more vulnerable.
That is why I have worked to connect environmental protection with economic opportunity. I supported the Inflation Reduction Act, which included the largest climate investment in our nation’s history. I also supported major clean-energy investments in California, including the $1.2 billion Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub, before its federal funding was canceled by the Trump administration.
Here in the Sacramento region, I helped secure a $76.8 million federal clean transportation grant for Sacramento Regional Transit to deploy zero-emission buses, build hydrogen fueling infrastructure, modernize a maintenance facility, and support workforce development. I also helped secure $2.4 million in EPA rebate funding for eight electric school buses for Sacramento City Unified School District. I believe clean energy policy should do more than reduce emissions. It should help create jobs, lower costs, and position our region to lead in the industries of the future.
Water reliability and drought resilience
I have also made water reliability and drought resilience a priority because I know how much they matter for Sacramento County families and for our agricultural economy. In 2026, I secured $1,092,000 for the Carmichael Water District to replace aging well screens and protect drinking water quality for Carmichael and Rancho Cordova residents, as well as another $1,092,000 for Sacramento County to strengthen water supply reliability in the Arden Service Area.
I believe protecting our environment and supporting agriculture are not competing goals. They are connected. If we want a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future, we have to invest in clean energy, defend clean air and clean water, strengthen drought resilience, and make sure the Sacramento region remains a place where families and farmers can thrive.