Senate committee adopts resolution urging scrutiny of California’s link to Amazon crude and support for indigenous protections
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Summary
SR 51, a nonbinding resolution brought by Senator Becker, calls for investigation of California’s role as a major destination for crude from the Amazon and commends indigenous leaders in Ecuador; the committee adopted the resolution and supporters described the Amazon’s global climate importance.
The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee adopted SR 51, a resolution that (1) commends indigenous leaders in Ecuador for protecting the Amazon biome; (2) calls on the Senate to investigate California’s role as a major destination for crude oil exported from the Amazon region; and (3) urges exploration of state policies and practices that could help protect the rainforest and the communities that depend on it.
Senator Becker framed the resolution as part of wider climate and social‑justice work addressing the links between global supply chains and local environmental harm. Witnesses included Leila Salazar Lopez of Amazon Watch and Katie Valenzuela of the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment; both said California’s purchasing role connects the state to Amazon deforestation and that California should consider ways to reduce demand and assist equitable transitions.
No opposition appeared in committee. Committee members expressed support for environmental stewardship and noted California’s climate leadership responsibilities; Senator Grove asked to be listed as a co‑author. The resolution was adopted and placed on the record as a committee action.
Why it matters: SR 51 is nonbinding but signals legislative interest in examining how state demand for some crude sources interacts with global deforestation and indigenous rights. Supporters said the resolution frames California as a potential global leader in reducing pressure on the Amazon while the state transitions away from fossil fuels.