Without mentioning President Trump by name, Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown made clear in his State of the State address that California is prepared to fight the new administration over key issues, including climate change and immigration.
“Our state is known the world over for actions we’ve taken to encourage renewable energy and combat climate change,” Brown told the state assembly. “Whatever they do in Washington, they can’t change the facts, and these are the facts: The climate is changing; the temperatures are rising, and so are the oceans. Natural habitats everywhere are under distress … We can’t fall back and give into the climate deniers. The science is clear. The danger is real.” ”
On immigration, Brown said, “Let me be clear. We will defend everybody — every man, woman and child who has come here for a better life and has contributed to the wellbeing of our state.”
Brown also defended the reliability of scientific research, which he said has come under attack of late. “We have seen the bald assertion of ‘alternative facts,’ whatever those are,” he said, referring to Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway’s weekend remarks on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “We have heard the blatant attacks on science. Familiar signposts of our democracy — truth, civility, working together — have been obscured or swept aside.”