Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis was sworn in as the 50th Lieutenant Governor of California by Governor Gavin Newsom on January 7th, 2019. She is the first woman elected Lt. Governor of California. A native Californian, she visited each of the state’s 58 counties during her historic campaign. In addition to her duties as Lt. Governor, Kounalakis is California’s Representative for International Affairs and Trade, appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom by executive order.
As an outdoorswoman, avid hiker and occasional bird hunter, all my life I have marveled at the biologic diversity and natural beauty of California. I was immensely proud when President Obama signed the Paris Climate Agreement in 2016, taking a major step forward in the global effort to address climate change. But as California continues to lead the way in environmental protections, the Trump Administration sets our country backwards.
We must continue to push for smart policies that combat climate change, protect our water supply and air quality, and stop corporations from taking advantage of our natural resources. I have proudly pledged to not accept contributions from oil companies, pharmaceutical companies or soda companies.
Protecting the environment and growing your business are not mutually exclusive. During my nearly 20 years in creating affordable homes, I worked closely with environmentalists and biologists to protect sensitive habitats and wetlands. I know that you can be energy-efficient and protect the environment and still have a profitable business.
As Lt. Governor, I will serve as a member of the State Lands Commission. I pledge to be a good steward of California’s public lands. We must protect our coasts and beaches from storm drain runoff and pollution. I support the policy that no oil and gas product from new offshore drilling ever makes landfall in California, and I support an oil extraction fee so Big Oil pays its fair share.