Skip to main content

All Kinds of Safety and Sustainability Bills Made it to the Governor’s Desk

And some have been held for next year

If it feels like a bit of a bonanza for sustainability legislation this year, it is because a lot of bills championed by safety and sustainable transportation advocates actually made it all the through the sausage making and on to Governor Newsom's desk. He has until October 14 to sign or veto them, so their fates are not certain yet.

First, a list of some of the sustainability bills that passed both the Assembly and Senate. At the end are some that did not make it, at least this year.

Many laws championed by environment advocates are now waiting on Newsom's signature. Others have died or been kicked to next year.

California lawmakers passed some precedent-setting climate and environment bills before the clock ran out Thursday, Sept. 14 on the 2023 legislative session.

“All in all, the legislature did some good work, and the governor has some important bills to sign,” said Christina Scaringe, a legislative specialist with the Center for Biological Diversity, when asked to look back over the session.

California Legislative Roundup, September 2023

Update: Governor Newsom signed NRDC's priority bills! See specific actions below. 

AB 1572 (Friedman) to prohibit the use of California’s treated drinking water for irrigation of decorative grass landscapes (nonfunctional turf) located on commercial, industrial, municipal, and institutional properties in stages through 2031. Signed   

Speed cameras could be coming to the L.A. area

A bill that would introduce speed safety cameras in six California cities, including Los Angeles, Long Beach and Glendale, is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature or veto.

AB-645, which passed in both houses of the State Legislature this week, would allow speed cameras to be installed in school zones and in areas where people are prone to speeding.

Automatic speed cameras for Oakland, other traffic safety measures, on Gov. Newsom’s desk

Oakland could get permission to create greater visibility at intersections, helping pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers see each other and avoid collisions.

California lawmakers have approved several bills that could make roads safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists in Oakland.

The year’s legislative session concluded Thursday with bills that address speeding enforcement, visibility at intersections, and a law that permits the use of bikes on sidewalks.