June, 21 2022, 04:39pm EDT

For Immediate Release
Contact:
CJ Koepp, Fossil Free California, cj.koepp@fossilfreeca.org
Miriam Eide, Fossil Free California, miriam@fossilfreeca.org
Fossil Fuel-Funded Cop Kills California Climate Legislation
Climate justice coalition keeps up the fight for CalPERS, CalSTRS divestment, promises to return with similar legislation next year.
WASHINGTON
Today amidst a historic mega-drought, wildfires, and fossil-fueled public health crises, Assemblymember Jim Cooper, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement, refused to allow Senate Bill 1173, California's Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, to be heard in his committee. This one-man veto allows the state's pensions to continue to invest billions from public funds into the fossil fuel industry, for now.
This decision is a moral failure that disproportionately impacts young people, Indigenous communities, communities of color, and low-income communities. Climate chaos has already cost California billions in damages and health costs from fossil fuel pollution and climate disasters. Jim Cooper, who has just been elected Sacramento County Sheriff, has reported $36,350 in Big Oil campaign contributions from this election season alone.
Since the bill was introduced in February, it has gained the support of 143 unions, cities, and organizations, inspiring Californians to make thousands of calls, write nearly 20,000 letters, and organize dozens of meetings with legislators to advocate for SB 1173. All across the state, the fossil fuel industry's power to kill climate legislation has been exposed. The coalition promises to return with similar legislation next year, and will turn up the pressure directly on CalPERS and CalSTRS to live up to their fiduciary duty. Youth organizers will gather tomorrow morning at the Capitol for an action and press conference to chart the path forward to pension divestment.
"The fossil fuel industry doesn't benefit low-income communities or people of color. We are never considered when they make decisions about their business. It's infuriating that our elected officials take huge donations from this industry, and then turn around and deny young people, frontline communities, and our entire movement the chance to even make our case and have a fair vote," said Marlay'ja Hackett, 15, Youth vs. Apocalypse.
The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) are the two largest public pension funds in the United States, with an estimated $9 billion invested in fossil fuel companies. If passed by the Assembly, SB 1173 would have protected the retirement savings of California's teachers, firefighters, and state workers from being used to finance oil, gas, and coal.
An estimated 1,500 institutions representing over $40 trillion in assets have already committed to fossil fuel divestment. SB 1173, and the broader divestment movement, intends to end the contradictory and incongruous policies that position the state of California as a climate leader while simultaneously investing billions into the fossil fuel companies powering the climate crisis. Specifically, SB 1173 would have prohibited CalPERS and CalSTRS from investing in the top 200 fossil fuel companies, required that they divest any current investments in those companies by 2030, and annually report on their divestment progress beginning in 2024.
"Today is a sad day in the history of California when the fossil fuel industry and its political allies defeated the will of the majority of CalSTRS and CalPERS beneficiaries and silenced the voices of the majority of the citizens of our great state," said James Stone, Southern California Divestment Network. "This defeat is just a temporary setback, however. We will organize to come back stronger to make our demand for fossil fuel divestment heard because fossil fuel companies are driving us toward unimaginable disaster and neither CalSTRS and CalPERS management nor our elected representatives are doing enough to hold them accountable. We must prevail because our common future is at stake."
This vote follows the release of a comprehensive report from Fossil Free California, which revealed that CalPERS and CalSTRS have used their influence as shareholders to obstruct climate action at major fossil fuel corporations, including BP and Shell, as well as financial institutions around the world. Since 2009, the funds' failure to divest has cost their members over $17.4 billion in returns.
QUOTE SHEET
"While I am deeply disappointed that my Senate Bill 1173 was not set for a hearing in the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement this week, I remain committed to the necessary and ongoing fight against the impacts of climate change on our state, and especially those communities in my district that are disproportionately impacted by the negative effects of the climate crisis," said Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach). "Teachers and state employees whose retirement futures are invested by our state's pension funds have long demanded that CalPERS and CalSTRS cease investing their money in fossil fuel companies, and this demand will only grow stronger and louder. I'm thankful for the hard work of our grassroots supporters at Fossil Free California, the California Faculty Association, and the youth climate activists with Youth Vs Apocalypse who helped move this bill out of the Senate and look forward to continuing this fight to ensure policy aligns with our state's values as a world climate leader, and that we can pass on a livable planet to future generations."
"Jim Cooper just decided to continue investing public money in the unequal suffering of my community. CalPERS and CalSTRS have been invested in these companies for decades, and during that time, their 'engagement' has come nowhere close to stopping the harm to my community or our world. Instead, fossil fuel companies have put billions into lies and disinformation to stop life-saving action on climate and pollution, and billions into exploiting more and more dangerous forms of fossil fuel extraction," said Lizbeth Ibarra, 18, Youth vs. Apocalypse. "They've been responsible for causing sickness and death to the 2 million Californians who live within a mile of fossil fuel infrastructure, a disproportionate amount of whom are Black and Brown communities like mine. Jim Cooper decided this injustice didn't even deserve a vote."
"By killing the fossil fuel divestment bill, Assemblymember Cooper is denying our communities a chance to fight back against the fossil fuel industry that is poisoning our air. The divestment bill offered a chance for our teachers and public employees to invest their retirement funds in line with their values of protecting our air, water and soil," said Martha Dina Arguello, Executive Director Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles.
"It is inexplicable that the Chair of the Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee refused to hear Senate Bill 1173 today, a CFA co-sponsored bill. This important piece of legislation would have prohibited both CalSTRS and CalPERS from making additional investments into fossil fuel companies and require them to divest nearly $9 billion in current holdings by 2030. Fossil fuel industries contribute significantly to climate change, including devastating wildfires, extreme drought, and excessive heat," said Charles Toombs, CFA President. "Why do we continue to fund fossil fuel companies--which exacerbate our climate crisis--with our pension and public funds? Right now, our state and our country are feeling the effects of the destruction of our planet and our communities, as our elected leaders remain morally absent, allowing this to happen with no repercussions to the fossil fuel companies accelerating this disaster."
"It's not surprising that our biggest obstacle to reducing the political influence of the fossil fuel industry in California and beyond is exactly that--the chokehold that Big Oil has on our political systems and our representatives," said CJ Koepp, Communications Coordinator at Fossil Free California. "While the bill's progress has been cut short this session, our youth-led coalition has already accomplished so much and we'll be back next year stronger than ever."
"As a long-time CalSTRS member and grandmother, I am heartbroken that my pension continues to finance the mega-drought, wildfires, and health issues affecting so many Californians. I don't understand how Assemblymembers such as Committee Chair Cooper continue to buy the argument or CalSTRS' reasoning that divestiture means less money in the pension fund -- a rationalization that BlackRock has disproved," said Marjorie Lasky, CalSTRS beneficiary and retired History Professor. "One thing's for sure: we're going to keep organizing and pushing for our state pension funds to do the right thing with our retirement savings."
" California's progress on climate action is undermined by its huge public investments in fossil fuels--trying to make a profit off the end of the earth is a mug's game, not to mention immoral. It's time to join the thousands of jurisdictions around the world that have done the economically and environmentally sane thing and divested," said Bill McKibben, Founder, Third Act.
"I am very proud of all the achievements that I and my fellow youth have made, but I find it wrong that youth find themselves fighting for what should be a human right to liveable and just planet to live on for years to come. It is sad that there are people in the world who prioritize their power and personal profit over the lives of future generations," said Christopher Soriano, 15, Youth vs. Apocalypse.
"It is upsetting to see one man backed by fossil fuel interests halt a powerful coalition of voices calling for climate accountability and the divestment of our state pensions from fossil fuels. SB 1173--the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act of 2022--may have died, but we will be back next year stronger than ever," said Miriam Eide, Coordinating Director, Fossil Free California. "Already we are pivoting to continue building power with our union and community allies and to keep the pressure on the state pensions through future legislation and direct pressure on the pension boards."
"At a time when frontline communities cannot afford anymore lip service, it's devastating that fossil fuel and corporate interest blocked this crucial legislation through committee. We cannot allow fossil fuel financing and legislators' delay tactics to wreak any more havoc on our climate," said Amy Gray, Senior Climate Finance Strategist at Stand.earth. "Frontline communities won't wait for lawmakers to appease the fossil fuel executives while our homes burn and flood, while our bodies are polluted and our children's futures are destroyed for profit. This isn't the end of this fight."
"When I read what scientists are relying on me about my future on this planet I often go through cycles of grief and frustration. When a new IPCC report gets released, I get immobilized with anxiety, and dread. Oftentimes I can't find the motivation to get through the day. I'm not the only young person with this struggle--most of us all grew up with an understanding that our environment was in danger and the time to act was limited," said Sim Bilal, Logistics Lead, Youth Climate Strike LA.
"It took New York organizers five years of work in the legislature to get their state's pensions fund to divest. We got through the California senate in one year, and were stopped by a committee chair who has never let a divestment bill through his committee. Along with others, we plan to expose Assembly and Senate members running for seats this November with fossil fuel money. We will get a bill through in the next session and in the process, we will expose the toxic power of fossil fuel money to slow the transition to a livable and just society," said Cynthia Kaufman, author of The Sea is Rising and So are We.
350 is building a future that's just, prosperous, equitable and safe from the effects of the climate crisis. We're an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
LATEST NEWS
Caving to Trump, Canada Drops Tax on US Tech Firms
One journalist accused Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of chickening out.
Jun 30, 2025
Acquiescing to pressure from the Trump administration, the Canadian government announced on Sunday that the country will rescind the digital services tax, a levy that would have seen large American tech firms pay billions of dollars to Canada over the next few years.
The Sunday announcement from the Canadian government cited "anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement" as the reason for the rescission.
"Today's announcement will support a resumption of negotiations toward the July 21, 2025, timeline set out at this month's G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis," said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the statement.
The digital services tax impacts companies that make over $20 million in revenue from Canadian users and customers through digital services like online advertising and shopping. Companies like Uber and Google would have paid a 3% levy on the money they made from Canadian sources, according to CBC News.
The reversal comes after U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday blasted the digital services tax, calling it a "direct and blatant attack on our country" on Truth Social.
Trump said he was suspending trade talks between the two countries because of the tax. "Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately. We will let Canada know the Tariff that they will be paying to do business with the United States of America within the next seven day period," Trump wrote. The United States is Canada's largest trading partner.
Payments from tech firms subject to the digital services tax were due starting on Monday, though the tax has been in effect since last year.
"The June 30, 2025 collection will be halted," and Canada's Minister of Finance "will soon bring forward legislation to rescind the Digital Services Tax Act," according to the Sunday statement.
"If Mark Carney folds in response to this pressure from Trump on the digital services tax, he proves he can be pushed around," said Canadian journalist Paris Marx on Bluesky, speaking prior to the announcement of the rescission. "The tax must be enforced," he added.
"Carney chickens out too," wrote the author Doug Henwood on Twitter on Monday.
In an opinion piece originally published in Canadian Dimension before the announcement on Sunday, Jared Walker, executive director of the progressive advocacy group Canadians for Tax Fairness, wrote that all the money generated for the tax could mean "more federal money for housing, transit, and healthcare transfers—all from some of the largest and most under-taxed companies in the world."
Walker also wrote that the digital service tax could serve as a counterweight to the so-called "revenge tax" provision in Trump's sprawling domestic tax and spending bill.
Section 899, called "Enforcement of Remedies Against Unfair Foreign Taxes," would "increase withholding taxes for non-resident individuals and companies from countries that the U.S. believes have imposed discriminatory or unfair taxes," according to CBC. The digital services tax is one of the taxes the Trump administration believes is discriminatory.
"If 'elbows up' is going to be more than just a slogan, Canada can't cave to pressure when Donald Trump throws his weight around," wrote Walker, invoking the Canadian rallying cry in the face of American antagonism when it comes to trade.
"But this slogan also means the Carney government has to make sure it is working on behalf of everyday Canadians—not just the ultra-rich and big corporations that are only 'Canadian' when it's convenient," Walker wrote.
Keep ReadingShow Less
Sanders Calls Trump-GOP Budget Bill 'Most Dangerous Piece of Legislation' in Modern US History
"In my view, nobody in the Senate or the House should vote for this legislation," said Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Jun 30, 2025
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders condemned the Republican budget reconciliation package in stark terms during a floor speech late Sunday, calling the measure "the most dangerous piece of legislation in the modern history of our country" and warning that its massive cuts to Medicaid, federal nutrition assistance, and other programs would have deadly consequences nationwide.
"Over 50,000 Americans will die unnecessarily every year," said Sanders (I-Vt.), referring to a recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Yale, who examined the likely impacts of Republicans' proposed healthcare cuts.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated over the weekend that the Senate reconciliation package, which could pass as soon as Tuesday, would slash Medicaid by more than $1 trillion and strip health insurance from nearly 12 million Americans over the next decade.
All of that "to give tax breaks to billionaires who don't need them," Sanders said Sunday, calling the Republican legislation "a death sentence for low-income and working-class people."
"This legislation is the most significant attack on the healthcare needs of the American people in our country's history," the senator added.
Sanders' remarks came hours before the Senate was set to begin the notorious vote-a-rama process whereby senators can offer an unlimited number of amendments to the reconciliation package, which, if passed, would trigger what analysts have described as the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich under a single law in U.S. history.
The Vermont senator said Sunday that he intends to offer amendments aimed at slashing prescription drug costs, removing an estate tax break from the GOP legislation, and eliminating a provision that would give the Pentagon another $150 billion.
"We don't have enough money to feed hungry children," Sanders said sardonically. "We don't have enough money to make sure that people continue to have the healthcare that they need. Don't have enough money to make sure the kids can get a decent education. But somehow, the military-industrial complex is going to get another $150 billion."
"In my view," Sanders continued, "nobody in the Senate or the House should vote for this legislation."
Keep ReadingShow Less
Trump Urges Gaza Cease-Fire Deal—And End to Netanyahu Corruption Trial in Israel
The U.S. president's comments came as Israel's military continued to kill Palestinians and order evacuations in the besieged enclave.
Jun 29, 2025
"MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!" U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media early Sunday, as Israeli forces—armed with billions of dollars in military support from the United States—continued their nearly 21-month annihilation of the Palestinian territory.
Trump's Truth Social post came after he suggested on Friday that there could be a cease-fire deal between the Israeli government and Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that governed Gaza for nearly two decades and led the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, "within the next week."
As The Associated Pressreported Sunday:
Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was set to travel to Washington this week for talks on a cease-fire, an Israeli official said, and plans were being made for Netanyahu to travel there in the coming weeks, a sign there may be movement on a deal.
Netanyahu was meeting with his Security Cabinet on Sunday evening, the official said on condition of anonymity to discuss plans that hadn't been finalized.
Trump's post calling for a deal also came just hours after he took to his Truth Social network to criticize the corruption trial that Netanyahu faces in Israel. Some critics of the prime minister have accused him of continuing the assault on Gaza to avoid his legal issues at home.
Saturday evening, Trump wrote:
It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu. He is a War Hero, and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to bring Great Success in getting rid of the dangerous Nuclear threat in Iran. Importantly, he is right now in the process of negotiating a Deal with Hamas, which will include getting the Hostages back. How is it possible that the Prime Minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a Courtroom all day long, over NOTHING (Cigars, Bugs Bunny Doll, etc.). It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure. This travesty of “Justice” will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations. In other words, it is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu. The United States of America spends Billions of Dollar a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this. We just had a Great Victory with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the helm—And this greatly tarnishes our Victory. LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!
Then, Reutersrevealed Sunday that the Jerusalem District Court canceled this week's hearings for Netanyahu's trial, "accepting a request the Israeli leader made citing classified diplomatic and security grounds."
The news agency noted that "it was unclear whether a social media post by... Trump influenced the court's decision."
Meanwhile, Netanyahu's military kept slaughtering Palestinians in Gaza this weekend. In addition to the warrant for the prime minister issued last year by the International Criminal Court—which sparked retaliation from Trump—Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Gaza health officials said that as of midday Sunday, Israeli attacks had killed at least 86 people in the previous 24 hours, and put the death toll since October 2023 at 56,500, with 133,419 others wounded.
With thousands more Palestinians missing in the destroyed enclave, researchers have warned that the true toll could be far higher, particularly when accounting for deaths from causes such as disease, hunger, and exposure to cold temperatures.
The Israeli military on Sunday issued evacuation orders for neighborhoods in Gaza City and other northern areas of the strip.
According to the BBC:
Medics said five people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a tent housing displaced people in al-Mawasi near the southern city of Khan Younis—an area where people in the north had been told to evacuate to.
Five members of the Maarouf family, including three children, were killed.
"They bombed us while we were sleeping on the ground," their mother Iman Abu Maarouf said. "We didn't do anything wrong. My children were killed, and the rest are in intensive care."
Israel's attacks have crippled Gaza's healthcare system, and its blockade has limited the flow of essentials, from medical supplies to food. Israeli troops have also killed Palestinians seeking aid from the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)—or Doctors Without Borders—emergency coordinator in Gaza, Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, excoriated the GHF operation and Israeli forces in a Friday statement.
"The four distribution sites, all located in areas under the full control of Israeli forces after people had been forcibly displaced from there, are the size of football fields surrounded by watch points, mounds of earth, and barbed wire. The fenced entrance gives only one access point in or out," he said. "GHF workers drop the pallets and the boxes of food and open the fences, allowing thousands in all at once to fight down to the last grain of rice."
"If people arrive early and approach the checkpoints, they get shot. If they arrive on time, but there is an overflow and they jump over the mounds and the wires, they get shot," Zabalgogeazkoa continued. "If they arrive late, they shouldn't be there because it is an 'evacuated zone,' they get shot."
Sharing the statement on social media Sunday, MSF said: "This is not humanitarian aid. It is slaughter."
Keep ReadingShow Less
Most Popular