Senator

Toni Atkins (D)

2023 Score 96%
Toni Atkins has not accepted oil money. No oil money
District: 39 (San Diego)
Position: Senate Pro Tem
https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/

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In 2023, Pro Tem Toni Atkins played a pivotal role in California's environmental landscape, contributing to the nuanced outcome of overall progress with some challenges reflected in the state's climate grade transitioning from an A- in 2022 to a B in 2023.

On the positive side, Pro Tem Atkins demonstrated leadership in advancing corporate accountability through the passage of the Climate Corporate Leadership and Accountability Act (SB 253, Wiener) and the Climate Financial Risk Disclosure Act (SB 261, Stern). Notably, under Pro Tem Atkins’ leadership, the Senate passed more environmental justice bills and priority climate legislation compared to the Assembly.

However, challenges emerged as the Senate disbanded its Climate Working Group, and some Democratic Senators aligned with the oil and gas industry. While she contributed to successes, including the protection of communities through bills like Central Valley Air Pollution Credit Reform (AB 985, Arambula) and Statewide Standard for Fenceline Monitoring at Refineries (SB 674, Gonzalez), there were bills like the Neighborhood Decarbonization Program (SB 527, Min) that were watered down in the Senate Energy Committee. Additionally, some Senators are beholden to the fossil fuel industry’s newest greenwashing scheme: hydrogen.

2024 beckons for more focused leadership on climate, addressing internal challenges within the Senate, and working collaboratively to propel California towards a sustainable and resilient future. With a leadership change on the horizon during the first quarter of the 2024 legislative session, there is a critical opportunity to bring climate to the forefront and lift environmental leaders into leadership positions in the Senate.

95%
Lifetime Score
96%
2023
95%
2022
75%
2021
99%
2020
94%
2019
100%
2018
95%
2017
93%
2016
100%
2015
100%
2014
100%
2013
100%
2012
94%
2011

Toni Atkins's 2023 Environmental Votes

How We Calculated the Weighted Score

80% environmental votes; 15% caucus score; 5% California score

More details are on our How It Works page

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