June 6, 2019, UCLA School of Law
Over California Gov. Jerry Brown's four terms in office— from 1975 to 1983 and from 2011 to 2019—California maintained and built on its deserved reputation for developing and implementing forward-thinking environmental policy. California's innovations in environmental, climate, and energy policy have marked the state as a national, and even global, force. Gov. Newsom is certain to build on that legacy. At home, however, California continues to face entrenched environmental issues: the use and movement of water, the development of fossil fuel resources, and a housing affordability struggle that raises deep questions about land use policy.
This symposium explored California's status and future as an environmental pioneer. Panelists examined the successes and challenges faced during Brown's tenure in office, taking a close look at the complexities of the state's environmental policy commitments and what they have meant for California, the nation, and the international community. With Gov. Newsom now at the helm, panelists and speakers also looked at today's environmental leadership opportunities: both to stay the course and to build upon it.
This event was co-sponsored by the UCLA Institute on Environment and Sustainability, UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, and Climate Resolve.