In the News

Cement Americas: The California Senate approved a bill that seeks to slash the carbon footprint of state’s cement plants. The legislation directs the Air Resources Board (ARB) to develop a comprehensive strategy to achieve carbon neutrality in the cement industry no later than 2045 and to establish interim targets for reducing cement’s greenhouse gas intensity. Senate Bill 596 was introduced by Senator Josh Becker (D-13) ­– vice chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies.




NRDC Expert Blog: Senate Bill 596 by Senator Josh Becker directs the Air Resources Board to develop a comprehensive strategy to achieve carbon neutrality in the cement industry no later than 2045 and to establish interim targets for reducing cement’s greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity.




San Mateo Daily Journal: State Sen. Josh Becker shared his support for the investment paving the way for eased access to higher education and also allowing expansion of transitional kindergarten and early education programs. Noting that negotiations will continue over the coming weeks regarding the spending proposal for child care programs, Becker said he will be focused on assuring the funding is preserved for a comprehensive early education initiative “Transitional kindergarten alone is promising, but we need to pair it with a massive expansion of child care,” he said.




San Jose Spotlight: Luckily, the state Legislature is packed with bills that address environmental racism…Senator Josh Becker, who represents the northern part of Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, has proposed several significant environmental bills. Senate Bill 596 isn’t specifically focused on environmental racism, but puts California’s cement industry on the path to reducing its substantial climate footprint. San Jose had three cement factories. Senator Becker is also supporting the creation of a used electric vehicle market for disadvantaged communities with SB 771.




As hate crimes against Jews continue to rise, more than 150 prominent tech and business leaders signed a pledge to stand up against anti-semitism in America. The leaders include Thrive Global CEO Arianna Huffington; ViacomCBS chair Shari Redstone; the CEOs of Zynga, MasterClass, and Warby Parker as well as prominent investors of some of Silicon Valley’s top venture capital funds including Bloomberg, NEA, IVP and Javelin.




Mercury News: In California we have historic need and a historic opportunity. As we respond to this crucial moment, let’s be visionary. Let’s use this opportunity to lay the foundation for more Californians to become higher wage-earners permanently and to increase their own financial security through hard work and determination, just as the American Dream has always promised.




Sierra Sun TImes: With a bipartisan 35-1 vote, the Senate last Friday, passed Senator Josh Becker’s bill to make it easier for owners to convert their property into electricity-powered homes and buildings. “SB 68 is about reducing the barriers for people who are trying to help us achieve climate goals by reducing their use of fossil fuels in buildings and vehicles,” said Senator Becker, D-Peninsula and vice chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies. 




Los Altos Town Crier
By Megan V. Winslow

Godzilla made a cameo appearance at California State Sen. Josh Becker’s forum on water resiliency last week. In a slide presented by panelist Felicia Marcus, the bipedal lizard lurked behind San Francisco skyscrapers swathed in the orange haze of Sept. 9, 2020, the day Bay Area wildfire smoke obscured the sun.