California Climate Emergency
The science is clear: we must stop drilling for oil and gas if we want to maintain a livable planet. Unfortunately, greedy oil and gas companies have set out plans to further expand fossil fuel extraction, putting the planet on a dangerous course to surpass the amount that, if burned, could render our beloved California unlivable.
That's why this fall, Fire Drill Fridays, Jane Fonda, and Greenpeace USA are diving into California Climate Action with live, monthly conversations featuring environmental experts and justice activists; opportunities for groups and individuals to get involved in the movement; and much more. Join us!
As the 4th largest economy in the world and a major oil and gas producer, California has an important role to play in building a future beyond fossil fuels and showing the rest of the country and the globe that it’s possible. Through mobilizing tens of thousands of Californians like you, deploying our message on banner drops, hot air balloons, and more, Greenpeace USA works alongside frontline communities and local activists to ensure California rightfully lives up to its reputation as an environmental leader.
As a direct result of this work, Governor Gavin Newsom has recently taken some major steps to move California off fossil fuels and halt the dangerous practice of neighborhood drilling, including signing into law SB 1137, a bill that prevents new drilling and rework permits within 3,200 feet of where people live, work, and play. In so doing, Governor Newsom sealed his commitment to champion this issue and built momentum toward phasing out oil operations in neighborhoods, which accounts for nearly 25% of in-state production.
Are you one of the millions of Californians living less than a mile from an oil and gas well? Use this interactive map to see if you live near toxic drilling.
In 2022, Governor Newsom also signed a state budget that includes a $40 million fund that could be available for direct payments to fossil fuel workers for wage replacement and healthcare — thus setting in motion a crucial pilot program that lays the groundwork to protect communities and workers as we transition off fossil fuels.
And in April 2021, the governor announced a goal to phase out oil production by no later than 2045, a historic and globally significant signal of a major economy’s commitment to a future beyond fossil fuels.
While these steps show progress, science and justice demand California boldly and swiftly act to phase out fossil fuels. In considering our goal of ending production by 2045, California is delaying the necessary action we need and ignores the fact that we cannot begin to phase out oil and gas production without first halting new fossil fuel projects. Simultaneously, the fossil fuel industry has dumped $20 million on a referendum to overturn the 3,200-foot buffer zone between communities and oil drilling – successfully delaying these crucial public health protections from taking effect by another two years. Since then, the Newsom administration has approved hundreds of new oil permits within 3,200 feet of communities, a shocking reversal of Newsom's commitment to end neighborhood drilling that we can’t allow to go unnoticed.
That’s why we’re building the people power in California to demand that Governor Newsom get California back on track as a climate and public health leader by using his executive powers to half new drilling permits and immediately issue a 3,200-foot buffer zone to protect families, workers, and communities from harmful oil drilling.
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As United Nations climate negotiations began in Dubai, Greenpeace USA sent a message showing the iconic Hollywood Sign appearing to burn up, be covered in oil, and sending a strong message to Governor Gavin Newsom, President Joe Biden, and other world leaders demanding real climate action. The video features extreme weather events impacting California and calls out major oil companies fueling the climate crisis.
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Last Chance Alliance activists hold a rally outside Governor Newsom’s State of the State address to highlight the environmental and public health threats posed by California’s oil industry. Activists and community members living on the frontlines of oil production held banners and chanted their demands to underscore the urgency of the climate crisis. The Alliance is comprised of more than 700 environmental, health, justice, faith, labor, community, parent, and consumer organizations.
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Last Chance Alliance activists hold a rally outside Governor Newsom’s State of the State address to highlight the environmental and public health threats posed by California’s oil industry. Activists and community members living on the frontlines of oil production held banners and chanted their demands to underscore the urgency of the climate crisis. The Alliance is comprised of more than 700 environmental, health, justice, faith, labor, community, parent, and consumer organizations.
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Greenpeace USA activists sail out on the San Francisco Bay with a message for Congress and the oil industry. The activists display a banner reading "Oil Is Over, The Future Is Up to You" next to the Amazon Flacon, one of dozens of crude oil tankers stuck off the California coast as the oil industry grinds to a halt. This action comes as Congress begins negotiations on the next coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus package, and as the oil industry unleashes a lobbying frenzy in hopes of securing taxpayer dollars to prop up its obsolete business model.
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Activists gather near Inglewood Oil Field in Los Angeles, one of the largest contiguous urban oil fields in the country, to urge the Governor of California to take action to phase out fossil fuels, beginning with those within 2500 feet of homes and other sensitive sites.
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An oil tanker headed to Chevron’s Richmond refinery crossed the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 5 picket line in the San Francisco Bay. Two boats with activists from Greenpeace USA and USW workers sailed in solidarity with the nearly 500 workers from Chevron’s Richmond refinery who have been on strike as they fight for a new labor contract from Chevron’s leadership. The boats expanded the picket line from the land into the water.
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A team of Greenpeace US activists display banners off the balcony in the California State Capitol Building urging the Legislature to “Make Big Oil Pay” by passing a windfall profits cap on fossil fuel companies in the state. The Legislature, which commenced their special session, will explore a price gouging penalty for oil companies at the direction of California Governor Newsom.
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Heavy machinery being used to build sand berms to block additional oil in the ocean from entering Talbert Marsh and the Santa Ana River pass close to where Greenpeace US activists etch a message in the sand following a massive spill that leaked at least 144,000 gallons of oil from a broken pipeline connected to an offshore drilling platform about five miles off the coast of Orange County, CA. Damage has been done to local wildlife and wetlands which can take decades to recover. This latest disaster is just another example of why we must phase out oil and gas extraction both onshore and offshore.
The Hollywood Sign is burning … because of Big Oil
Just before United Nations climate negotiations began in fall 2023, Greenpeace USA lit up the Hollywood Sign with a message to Governor Gavin Newsom, President Joe Biden, and other world leaders — we demand an end to the age of oil.
Wildfires in the West
Actor, Activist, and Fire Drill Fridays Founder, Jane Fonda, welcomes WWE superstar and passionate environmentalist, Brie Bella, and Greenpeace USA wildfire expert, Amy Moas, Ph.D., to discuss how climate-driven wildfires are changing the livability of places we love in the Western US. Find out more about why these wildfires are worsening, how they are impacting people, and what we can do about it.
Climate Victories in California
Actor, Activist, and Fire Drill Fridays Founder, Jane Fonda, welcomes California State Senator, Lena Gonzalez, and community organizer, Maricruz Ramirez, to discuss and celebrate the historic climate and public health victory in California. Jane, Senator Gonzalez, and Maricruz will shed light on what this victory means for people and our planet, and the lessons along the way that can help us strengthen the climate movement.
California Climate Action Academy: Introduction to Non-Violence
California Climate Action Academy: Basics of Action Planning
Think through the steps of direct action planning – what it takes to get from an idea to execution and consider issues you may not have thought of yet. We’ll also talk about where and when your action can be most influential, and how to start thinking through opportunities near you.
California Climate Action Academy: Creative Messaging & Banners
Learn how to make effective messaging and visuals in a creative way. This is the production phase of direct action and making your message clear and beautiful is just as important as where you put it!