Environmental group launches six-figure battleground state ad buy against Newsom’s ‘climate leadership’

An environmental group is calling out Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s climate leadership in a six-figure battleground state ad buy, claiming that his policies in California have “significantly undermined climate progress.” This group, Food & Water Action, the political and lobbying arm of Food & Water Watch, is advocating against climate change and is specifically targeting Newsom for not following through on his campaign promise to shut down the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility.

During his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Newsom stated that he would shut down the Aliso Canyon facility, which was the site of the largest methane leak in U.S. history. He emphasized his commitment to closing the facility, but six years later, the facility remains open. This discrepancy has prompted environmental groups to criticize Newsom’s climate leadership.

In response to the ad buy, a spokesperson for Newsom defended the governor’s energy policy, stating that it is ambitious and not reckless. The spokesperson highlighted the importance of safely closing Aliso Canyon without causing utility bills to skyrocket. The California Public Utilities Commission is set to discuss the future of the facility on December 19.

Despite Newsom’s efforts to position himself as a national leader on climate change, environmental groups argue that his record in California suggests otherwise. While Newsom has taken steps to address oil drilling, other policies, such as undermining rooftop solar and embracing industry-backed plans like dirty biogas and carbon capture, have hindered progress on climate change. Additionally, Newsom has yet to fulfill his promise to close Aliso Canyon.

The ads targeting Newsom were launched in battleground states, sparking speculation about his potential presidential bid in 2028. Newsom, who was a top surrogate for President Biden during his re-election campaign, has been considered a leading candidate for the Democratic ticket in the future.

As Newsom’s second term in Sacramento comes to an end next year, the debate over his climate leadership and potential presidential aspirations will likely continue to garner attention. It remains to be seen how Newsom will address the criticisms from environmental groups and whether he will take further action to address climate change in California.