Sen. Wieckowski to Chair Senate Environmental Quality Committee

From the Office of Sen. Bob Wieckowski: State Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon has appointed Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to chair the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy, and Transportation. Wieckowski will also serve on critical committees including Judiciary and Transportation and Housing.

“I am excited to continue my work on environmental stewardship, our court system, transportation infrastructure, and affordable housing,” Wieckowski said. “These policy committees also position me to play key roles in meeting the challenges facing Senate District 10, which has been the leader in growing California’s clean technology.”

During the 2015-16 legislative session, the Senate Environmental Quality Committee heard approximately 235 bills and held 15 oversight and informational hearings. These hearings examined climate adaptation, plastic bags, toxics, and drinking water among other important topics.

“I am looking forward to expanding my role in working towards a cleaner environment and a stronger economy,” Wieckowski said of his new and continuing Chairmanships. “Climate change will continue to be one of the most significant issues we tackle in the years ahead. California is as important as ever in creating sensible, sustainable policy that will protect our planet and public health.”

In 2015, Senator Wieckowski was a member of the Legislative Delegation to United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change in Paris, better known as COP 21. At COP21, Wieckowski joined representatives from around the world at panel discussions describing actions taken on climate adaptation. Climate adaptation panel topics included innovative decision-making tools to help finance adaptation efforts, advance environmental justice, and foster collaboration between government and the private sector to support climate resilient developments.

Wieckowski represents the 10th Senate District, which includes southern Alameda County and northeast Santa Clara County.

Photo Courtesy of the Office of Sen. Bob Wieckowski