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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Collectively, the Lawmaker Education & Advocacy Day, or LEAD, on Carbon Pricing is the largest business gathering on the Hill to advocate for climate legislation in over a decade.
Fetzer Vineyards' participation underscores the vintner's commitment to supporting national and international climate action through a variety of means, including lobbying Congress to enact far-reaching policies.
The businesses participating in LEAD include 20 Fortune 500 companies as well as trade associations, medium and small businesses collectively representing combined revenues of more than $1.7 trillion, a combined market valuation of nearly $2.5 trillion and more than 750,000 U.S. employees.
Fetzer Vineyards is standing with companies that span the American economy, including retail giants, manufacturers, oil majors, healthcare services, food and beverage companies, outdoors industries, technology companies and energy providers.
"At our winery, we've pursued practices for decades that minimize our climate impact from energy consumption, waste and more," said Elizabeth Drake, regenerative development manager at Fetzer Vineyards. "Looking to the future, we recognize the need for policies that support bold action on climate, which is why we're putting our voice behind a price on carbon in Washington this week."
Joseph Brinkley, vineyard director at Fetzer Vineyards, and other business representatives met one-on-one with lawmakers and congressional staff from both sides of the aisle in the House and the Senate to educate them on the economic impacts of climate change and the need for comprehensive and effective national climate policies.
Hosted by Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), these businesses made the case for a strong and effective federal carbon price and share the private sector's vision for comprehensive solutions to tackle climate change.
When meeting with legislators, Brinkley shared details of the soil study recently conducted at Fetzer Vineyards' Mendocino County vineyards, which highlights the climate benefits of regenerative agriculture and the positive relationship between soil and climate resilience.
Fetzer Vineyards actively supports clean energy and climate-smart policies at the state and federal levels and is a member of the Ceres Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy, or BICEP, Network.
In California, the company recently advocated for Senate Bill 100, which commits state utilities to using 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
Fetzer Vineyards' participation in this week's LEAD activities supporting a price on carbon and other policy efforts complement a longstanding commitment to reducing impacts at the winery, which is now going beyond its doors to engage in meaningful opportunities to contribute to the global effort to slow climate change.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
“This bill is about preventing the tragic death of horses by empowering regulators to rapidly respond to address dangerous conditions,” Sen. Dodd said. “It’s about protecting the health and safety of animals while ensuring the future of a storied sport.”
Senate Bill 469, introduced as 23 horses died at Santa Anita earlier this year, allows the California Horse Racing Board to quickly suspend racing at tracks when dangerous conditions exist.
Under the bill, board members may convene an emergency meeting to consider temporary track closure for situations requiring prompt action.
The usual 10-day meeting notice would be waived, but the board would still be required to announce the emergency meeting to the media and public.
SB 469 is co-authored by Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park and Assemblymembers Ed Chau, D-Arcadia, and Adam Gray, D-Merced.
It heads next to the Assembly.
Sen. Bill Dodd represents California’s Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd .
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The CFMAC advises the Secretary on current issues concerning legislation, regulations, enforcement and administrative policies and procedures pertaining to the direct marketing of agriculture products at certified farmers’ markets, or CFMs.
California has more than 2,500 certified agricultural producers participating in approximately 750 CFMs within the state.
Vacancies include: two producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers; five alternate producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers; two alternate CFM operators or representatives of the operator; and one public member.
The term of office for committee members is up to two years. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.
Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should complete the prospective member appointment questionnaire and attain a letter of recommendation from industry.
Nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Applications should be sent to Thomas Osborn, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via e-mail to
For further information on the California CFM Program and committee vacancies, please contact Maria Tenorio Alfred at 916-900-5030.
38 attorneys general call on Congress to incorporate cannabis-related businesses into banking system
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“This is simple: not incorporating an $8.3 billion industry into our banking system is hurting our public safety and economy,” said Attorney General Becerra. “When it comes to the cannabis industry, California has made clear that it is moving forward and our nation should do the same. The SAFE Banking Act would reward taxpayers and small and local licensed businesses who play by the rules. We urge Congress to pass legislation to meet the demands of our growing economy.”
California along with 32 states and several U.S. territories have legalized the medical use of marijuana.
However, because the federal government classifies cannabis as an illegal substance, banks providing services to state-licensed cannabis businesses can be subject to criminal and civil liability.
In their comment letter, the attorneys general argue that under existing law, federal regulators are forcing legal businesses to operate as cash-only operations, which poses serious safety threats, creating targets for violent and white-collar crime.
Additionally, law enforcement is less able to track potential financial crimes, and it is more difficult for businesses to pay – and for the state to collect – tax deposits. The SAFE Banking Act permits cannabis businesses to access the federal banking system.
In filing Wednesday’s letter Attorney General Becerra joined the Attorney Generals of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, the Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.