ICYMI: Steyer Leads Gubernatorial Candidates with A Grade on Environmental Issues, Others Trail Behind

SAN FRANCISCO — In case you missed it, the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund released its environmental scorecard evaluating the five leading candidates for California governor on environmental issues, with Tom Steyer being the only candidate earning an A grade.

“Our analysis of the candidates shows that Tom Steyer leads the pack on the environment,” Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund Climate Political Director Kassie Siegel said. “His record and platform demonstrate the strongest commitment to protecting people’s health, clean air and water, and a livable climate, not corporate polluters.”

All other candidates scored below Steyer, with the two top Republicans receiving failing grades and Eric Swalwell just barely passing with a C. Notably, Eric Swalwell received a D+ grade for his failures to make polluters pay and hold Big Oil accountable at a time of gas prices hitting record highs as a result of Donald Trump’s war in Iran. Swalwell also received a maximum contribution from a gasoline distributor, despite taking a No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.

Steyer is a longtime environmental activist who has pledged to hold the fossil fuel industry and monopoly utilities accountable. For over 15 years, he has been at the forefront of the climate movement as an activist, philanthropist, and business leader. In 2010, he defended California’s landmark emissions reduction legislation (Cap and Trade), working with labor and environmental justice allies to defeat Big Oil, and in 2025, he rallied public support to secure its reauthorization, helping deliver over $28 billion in funding for clean energy, infrastructure, and well-paying California jobs over the past decade.

Steyer also served as co-chair and chief backer of Proposition 39, contributing $29.6 million to pass the measure, which has raised over $1.7 billion for school energy retrofits and union jobs. If elected governor, he has pledged to continue being a dedicated defender of the climate and environment.

Read the full press release here.