California has joined the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance (BOGA) launched at COP26, bringing together national and subnational governments committed to advancing a just transition away from oil and gas production. Led by Costa Rica and Denmark, the first-of-its-kind alliance will help build momentum for states and nations working to phase out oil and gas production and support efforts to build a clean energy economy.
“California is a global leader in combating the climate crisis with bold action to protect our planet while growing the economy, but we can’t meet the challenge of this existential threat alone,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “With fossil fuels powering much of the global energy system, it’s critical that we partner with other states and nations around the world to build momentum for the phase-out of oil and gas production. Together, we must move beyond oil and usher in a cleaner and greener future that safeguards our communities, environment and the economy.”
The new partnership comes on the heels of Governor Newsom’s announcement last month that the state is moving to prevent new oil drilling near communities and expand health protections as California works to phase out fossil fuels. The Governor has taken bold action to end the issuance of new fracking permits by 2024, move the state toward phasing out oil extraction by 2045 and reduce demand for oil by ending the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.
Newsom advanced a historic $15 billion climate package this year to tackle wildfire and drought challenges, help communities transition during the climate crisis and support the state’s Zero-Emission Vehicle goals. The Governor has also taken action to advance environmental justice, including efforts to protect Californians from harmful pollution and build climate resilience in disadvantaged communities. California is home to more than 485,000 clean energy jobs and the state’s renewable energy and clean vehicle industries lead the nation in growth. The state’s leading climate policies have seen the state exceed its 2020 climate target four years ahead of schedule, surpass one million zero-emission vehicle sales and create six times more clean jobs than fossil fuel jobs.
California’s delegation at COP26 has highlighted the state’s groundbreaking policies to combat the intensifying climate crisis and joined with international partners, top U.S. climate officials and others to discuss further collaboration, including productive bilateral meetings with officials from the governments of China, Mexico and Canada on a wide array of climate action. The Governor announced that California has signed on to the COP26 Declaration on Zero-Emission Cars and Vans, which aims to achieve 100 percent zero emission vehicle sales by 2035 in leading markets, and no later than 2040 globally.
