OAKLAND, Calif. (April 20, 2016)—Senate Bill 1161, the “California Climate Science Truth and Accountability Act,” passed its first major legislative test today in the California Senate Environmental Quality Committee. The bill by Sen. Ben Allen (Santa Monica) would extend the statute of limitations for companies that knowingly deceive the public about the risks of climate change. The committee voted 5-2 in favor of the bill. It will next be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 3.
Below is a statement by Jason Barbose, Western States Policy Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists.
“Today’s vote is a strong validation from California lawmakers that companies that deceive the public on the truth about climate science need to be held accountable. It underscores the need for fossil fuel companies and California citizens to understand that wrongdoers who mislead and deceive the public can and should be held fully accountable. We hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee will reach the same conclusion when it votes on the bill on May 3."