Sen. Blakespear Appointed Chair of Senate Environmental Quality Committee

SACRAMENTO – Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire announced Friday that he has appointed Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to lead the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

Sen. Blakespear has also been appointed to serve on the Senate Committees for Budget, Governmental Organization and Transportation, as well as Budget Subcommittee #2, which focuses on the state budget for resources, environmental protection and energy. In addition, she will continue to serve on the Joint Legislative Committee for Climate Change Policies.

“California has a long, impressive history of leading the nation in environmental public policy and stewardship,” Sen. Blakespear said. “I look forward to carrying the torch on this foundationally important issue for California, as we strive to address climate change, move to a more sustainable way of living and protect our state’s immense beauty and natural resources.”

Information about the committees and the work they are doing can be found here. McGuire has also appointed Sen. Blakespear to the Senate Infrastructure Working Group, which is tasked with considering changes to the state’s cap-and-trade program.  

Since being elected, Sen. Blakespear has made protecting the environment and countering climate change one of her top priorities. In 2024, she authored SB 1053, which bans the distribution of plastic bags at grocery store checkouts. Read more here.

Elected in 2022, Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and part of southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.