California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference at Controlled Thermal Resources as lithium extraction takes place behind him in Calipatria, Calif., on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Sacramento, California – California Governor Gavin Newsom has been appointed co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, stepping into a prominent leadership role at a time when states are increasingly seen as the drivers of national climate policy. Newsom will share the post with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who becomes the first Midwest governor to hold the position.
The alliance, made up of 24 bipartisan governors, represents over half of the U.S. population and nearly 60% of the country’s economy. Its members have committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and advancing clean energy, often in the absence of strong federal action.
“This isn’t just about policy—it’s about survival,” Newsom said in a statement. “Americans want cleaner air, cleaner water, and healthier communities, and states are the ones stepping up to make that happen.”
The announcement came as the alliance wrapped its spring meeting in Washington, D.C., where governors and officials gathered to strategize on climate priorities like clean energy deployment, modernizing the grid, and lowering energy costs. With Congress largely gridlocked on climate legislation, state-level initiatives have gained new urgency.
Governor Evers emphasized the importance of the Midwest in the national climate conversation. “We don’t have to choose between a healthy planet and a strong economy—we can and must do both,” he said. “I’m ready to fight for the future our kids and grandkids deserve.”
The alliance also welcomed new leadership on its executive committee, adding Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who previously co-chaired the alliance, will remain on the committee after handing over the reins. Hochul has touted a $1 billion climate investment in her state—the largest in New York’s history.
Delaware’s Meyer highlighted the stakes for low-lying regions like his own, calling climate change an “existential threat.” Ferguson echoed the urgency, saying Washington would continue to push for bold, innovative solutions.
The leadership shakeup signals a renewed focus and broader geographic representation within the alliance, which formed in 2017 after the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement. The coalition has since worked to uphold emissions reduction targets through a patchwork of state policies and programs.
While the new co-chairs serve one-year terms, their work will help shape the alliance’s direction through at least 2026, when the group meets again for its next major convening.
In the meantime, Newsom and Evers will be tasked with keeping momentum going—and keeping climate action on the national agenda, even if Washington stalls.
