SR 36 is a Senate resolution affirming California’s support for the Paris Accords and the state’s broader climate policy goals. The resolution recites California’s history of climate leadership, the harms the state is already experiencing from climate change, and the international purpose of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming. It also notes California’s existing emissions targets, clean electricity mandate, zero-emission vehicle goals, carbon market programs, and investments in climate resilience and clean energy jobs.
The resolution does not change statutory law or create a new regulatory program. Instead, it expresses the Senate’s formal position that California should continue pursuing climate action, environmental sustainability, and climate restoration, including net-zero and net-negative carbon dioxide emissions as state policy priorities. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the State Air Resources Board, the Governor, federal officials, and the United Nations climate body.
Impact
Because SR 36 is a resolution rather than a bill, it has no direct legal effect on California statutes, regulations, or funding. Its practical impact is symbolic and political: it reinforces existing state climate goals and signals legislative support for California’s current emissions-reduction framework, clean energy transition, and participation in international climate efforts. It may also be used to support future policy discussions before the Air Resources Board, the Governor, and other policymakers.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears supportive of the resolution’s climate message, as reflected by its passage in the Senate and the favorable committee vote. The resolution was adopted on the Senate floor by a 29-9 vote after an earlier 6-2 vote to adopt it as amended, indicating clear majority support but not unanimity. The debate context provided does not include transcript remarks, but the vote pattern suggests broad backing among climate-focused members and some opposition from senators less supportive of the resolution’s policy framing.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the resolution’s strong endorsement of the Paris Accords and its call for net-zero and net-negative carbon dioxide emissions as state policy priorities. Opponents may object to the international climate framework, the resolution’s policy signaling, or the implications of more aggressive emissions targets for energy, transportation, and economic policy. Supporters, by contrast, frame the measure as a reaffirmation of California’s existing leadership on climate action, public health protection, and economic resilience.
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States, States, cities, Tribal nations, businesses, institutions of higher education, and other institutions in the United States should work toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.