More than 120 groups supported effort to reduce barriers to construct critical infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A broad coalition representing labor unions, clean energy, water, agriculture, business leaders, and others applauded the State Legislature for adopting Governor Newsom’s infrastructure streamlining proposal as part of this year’s state budget.

In total, more than 120 organizations joined a letter to the Legislature emphasizing the importance of the streamlining package is essential to accelerating critical energy, water, and transportation infrastructure projects necessary to achieving California’s world-leading climate goals.

“We are pleased the Legislature and Governor have reached an agreement on the budget, including the Governor’s infrastructure streamlining proposals,” said Michael Quigley, Executive Director of the California Alliance for Jobs. “Enabling California to get shovels in the ground faster will create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs in the construction industry and keep us on track to meet our ambitious climate goals.”

“By removing barriers to building crucial clean energy, transportation, and water infrastructure, this budget agreement will create and sustain hundreds of thousands of union careers and help build a brighter future for all Californians,” said Joe Cruz, Executive Director of the California State Council of Laborers.

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CONTACT: Kathy Fairbanks, (916) 813-1010

Over 110 California labor, clean energy, business, water, and agriculture leaders
urge the state legislature to pass Governor Gavin Newsom’s streamlining proposal
to reduce construction barriers for critically-needed infrastructure projects

A powerful coalition composed of the California Alliance for Jobs, as well as labor unions, businesses, ethnic business leaders, and more are rallying behind Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget plan to streamline critical infrastructure projects.

Recognizing the urgent need to accelerate energy, water, and transportation infrastructure projects, this comprehensive package is critical to achieving California’s world-leading climate goals. Simultaneously, it lays the foundation for a resilient economy, creating hundreds of thousands of family-supporting, union construction careers.

Through streamlined permitting, the reduction of burdensome red tape, and the mitigation of time-consuming litigation, these proposals will significantly improve project timelines, saving taxpayers, state and local governments, and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars. #BuildingMoreCAJobs

In a June 5th letter to the Legislature, the groups urged quick action saying, “the infrastructure streamlining package is essential to accelerate critical energy, water and transportation infrastructure projects we need to achieve California’s world-leading climate goals while also preparing our economy for the future and creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying, union construction careers.”

RESOURCES

• Governor Newsom Unveils New Proposals to Build California’s Clean Future, Faster (May 19, 2023)
• LA Times: Gov. Newsom unveils sweeping plan to speed up California infrastructure projects (May 19, 2023)
• Sacramento Bee: Business, industry groups support Newsom plan (June 6, 2023)
• CalMatters: The many ways the Legislature wants to change California’s constitution (June 6, 2023)
• Orange County Register: Climate, business groups clash over Newsom’s proposed environmental law reforms (June 6, 2023)