Ten high school members of Youth v. Oil and three SanDiego350 adult members woke up very early in the morning to catch the first flight to Sacramento on April 21st. We met with elected officials, advocated for the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund, and spoke at the Assembly Natural Resources committee hearing where the bill passed 9-4! Our voices were very powerful at the Capitol, so powerful that an oil lobbyist yelled at and tried to intimidate us, a group of teenagers, outside the Committee hearing. Hear more about what the trip meant to us below:
“Going to Sacramento was an incredible and unforgettable experience. Aside from speaking with state elected officials and at the hearing (which was amazing!), I was able to really connect with Youth v. Oil members, and I feel so grateful to be in the same group as these incredible and dedicated people. I was also very inspired by the other advocates we met from around California at the Capitol, and feel so empowered to know how many youth stand with me. We woke up before dawn to demand justice.” – Taarika Sethee (she/her) 14 years old, Youth Volunteer Outreach Coordinator
“This trip felt like a culmination of all the work we have been doing around state legislation. In a time where it seems like all we get is bad news, it was inspiring to be surrounded by other people who care and use our voices for something so historic. Plus, we got screamed at by an oil lobbyist, so we must be doing something right!” – Emma Weibel (she/her), 17 year old, Youth v. Oil Intern
“As a growing climate activist passionate about the Make Polluters Pay campaign, this trip meant the world to me — I know my younger self would be in awe. From the highs (speaking with legislators and getting the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund passed through Assembly Natural Resources!) to the lows (waking up at 3 AM and getting yelled at by an oil lobbyist), I would not have it any other way. We will continue giving our all to obtain climate justice for California communities.” -Sofia Carrasco (she/her), 16 year old, Youth v. Oil Co-Lead
“My trip to Sacramento was an eye-opening experience. I have been involved in climate activism for almost two years, but I never got the chance to see what and who I was fighting against face to face. When I first saw the Big Oil lobbyists trying to intimidate us outside the Assembly room, the fire that had been fueling my activism work only intensified, and I became determined to fight even harder.” – Daryn Tarasewicz (she/her), 14 year old, Youth v. Oil Legislative Lead
“Being able to visit Sacramento with Youth v. Oil for the first time ever was so memorable not only because it was my first time visiting but also because of the cause that brought us there. I’m so thankful to have been surrounded with such strong and passionate peers and left with a greater knowledge of who oversees and helps manage our local districts. Being the only Filipina to mention my immigrant parents and AAPI community felt inspiring; I may have been the first that day but I know for sure that I won’t be the last.” -Azalea Angeles (she/they), 17 year old, Youth4Climate Media Lead
“Showing up in person is so important to advocacy and going to the state capital allowed me to fully express my support for the bill as a youth. Knowing that my voice and concern is being heard at this level of government has encouraged me to continue pushing and advocating for a livable future.” -Daniel Hernandez (he/him), 17 year old, South Bay Community Liaison Intern
“This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me; we were doing real change during real time. Not only that, but we got to work as a team and push through even at frustrating times. This experience was a one in a million, and I would do it over again and again.” – Greta Busch Castro, 15 years old, (she/her), Youth v. Oil member and Eco Action Club founder
“I had a great time on the Sacramento trip lobbying for the Polluters Pay bill. It was incredible meeting with legislative aids to discuss important issues, and it was great speaking at the committee. I look forward to doing something like this again in the future.” – Kobi Schneider (he/him), 16 year old, Youth v. Oil Federal Policy Lead
“This trip was a rollercoaster of emotions, from anger at oil lobbyists to inspiration seeing all of my fellow activists mobilize. Going to Sacramento gave me hope for the future of this movement. In a world where there seems to be disheartening news every day, seeing other youth and dozens from across the state advocate for climate justice made me want to fight even harder.” – Abby Costello (she/her), 18 year old, Youth4Climate Intern
“Lobbying in Sacramento was an incredible experience. On this trip, we not only made our voices heard at the state level, but also bonded as a team and made memories together!” -Elena Grilli, 17 year old, Youth v. Oil member
Youth v. Oil continues to put pressure on legislators and rally support for the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund. We are sending a second group of youth up to Sacramento on May 28th. The bill has been struggling to pass through committees and it needs mass support across California now more than ever. We ask that you call your legislators and sign this petition. If you want to get involved with the campaign, you can sign up here.