Senate adopts resolution committing to examine California’s use of Amazon‑sourced crude and support rainforest protection

Senator Becker introduced SR 51, a Senate resolution commending indigenous leaders in Ecuador for their work protecting the Amazon and asking the Legislature to examine California’s role as a major destination for crude oil exported from the Amazon basin. Becker said the resolution also calls on the state to explore policy changes that could reduce harm to the Amazon while accelerating California’s transition off fossil fuels.

Leila Salazar Lopez of Amazon Watch, who said she represents an Oakland‑based nonprofit working with indigenous partners, told the committee the Amazon is "the largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest on earth" and is critical for global climate regulation. She urged California to examine its demand for Amazon crude as COP 30 approaches; the meeting noted that a substantial portion of Amazon crude exports flow to California refineries.

Supporters also included representatives of environmental justice groups who said California should prioritize vulnerable communities both at home and abroad during the fossil fuel decline. There was no registered opposition in committee; the Senate adopted the resolution and left it on call for absent members.