California backs Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
The initiative has been passed by a majority of 43 votes in the California State Assembly, making California the largest state economy to endorse the proposal.
PHOTO: Members of the initiative. Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty endorses a global initiative that aims to establish a framework to manage and oversee fossil fuel production worldwide. Its key steps include halting the expansion of fossil fuel production and implementing measures for a meticulous phase-out of coal, oil, and gas usage.
The State of California has now joined other government bodies around the world that support the treaty, including the bloc of six Pacific Island Nations – Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Niue and the Solomon Islands. The treaty has also received support from the European Parliament (EU), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Hawai’i State Legislature.
“The resolution calls on President Biden to support Pacific nations moving ahead with seeking a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty,” the official statement by the treaty initiative stated.
The bill was introduced in the California Senate by Majority Whip Senator Lena A. Gonzalez, with co-sponsorship from Indigenous Environmental Network, Stand.earth, and SAFE Cities.
“People around the world, especially low-income people of colour, are suffering the adverse health impacts of fossil fuel pollution, from asthma to cancer,” said Gonzalez. “It is essential that we commit once and for all to ending our reliance on fossil fuels,” she further added.
Despite opposition from around 40 oil and gas majors and industry groups, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty received significant support and secured majority votes.
The bill also “looks to protect the most impacted workers and local government services through this transition to abundant and clean renewable energy.”
“This move will catalyze a ripple effect that reaches far beyond state borders,” said Alex Rafalowicz, executive director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative.
“California should stop issuing new fossil fuel permits, divest its massive pensions from fossil fuels, and implement all-electric building codes,” added Nathan Taft, senior digital campaigner for SAFE Cities.
This treaty will only “hold weight” if actual protections come from it, commented Cesar Aguirre, oil & gas director of Central California Environmental Justice Network. “If we want to be seen as a state that stands up to fossil fuels, setbacks, and no new neighbourhood drilling should be the first priority,” he further added.
By Aparupa Mazumder
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