“Investing billions in the fossil fuel companies that are polluting our environment while at the same time trying to meet ambitious emissions reduction goals is contradictory and incongruous. SB 1173 will ensure we remain true to our values and honor our commitment as a State to protecting the environment and the health and future of all Californians, including historically disadvantaged communities of color that are disproportionately impacted by the hazardous pollutants released into our communities by these companies.”

—Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach)

“CalPERS and CalSTRS misled us—their members—by voting against climate resolutions, despite claiming their engagement with fossil fuel companies will help bring about needed change. Studies have already shown a failure to divest in fossil fuels in the last decade cost us an estimated $17.4 billion in returns. The systems lost us money and are actively supporting companies opposed to our present and future needs to combat ecological changes and support environmental justice. It’s long past time for lawmakers to do what these retirement pensions cannot: protect our future investments and pass Senate Bill 1173 this year to start the process of divesting from fossil fuels.”

—Charles Toombs, CFA President

“Divestment is essential to the wellbeing of the large community of people of color being affected by fossil fuel investments, along with the entirety of the planet, which is being greatly harmed.”

—15-year-old Anaya Sayal (Youth vs. Apocalypse)

"For the past 8 years, CalSTRS and CalPERS have ignored the calls of students, teachers, and state workers to divest their pensions. Many studies have shown that fossil fuels are a volatile and risky investment and over the last few years have lost money compared to other kinds of investments. We can’t reach the state’s climate goals if we keep propping up the companies creating the climate crisis."

—Miriam Eide (Fossil Free California)

“Divestment is the right thing to do for climate change and is a smart financial move for our pensions. We have to stop pretending that fossil fuel companies are good corporate citizens. CFA wields a powerful credential in California, and we can best serve our principles of social and racial justice by taking a lead in climate justice for future generations of students, families and communities.”

—Carlos Davidson (CFA Peace & Justice Committee)

“It’s time for us to hold oil, gas, and coal companies accountable for putting profits above all life on Earth. That means it’s time for CalPERS and CalSTRS to stop pretending that the fossil fuel industry is on our side and divest from the corporations that are literally killing us."

—Sim Bilal (19), Logistics Lead, Youth Climate Strike LA

"The fossil fuel industry doesn’t benefit low-income communities or people of color. We are never considered when they make decisions about their business. It’s infuriating that our elected officials take huge donations from this industry, and then turn around and deny young people, frontline communities, and our entire movement the chance to even make our case and have a fair vote."

—Marlay'ja Hackett (15), Youth vs. Apocalypse