Antonio Villaraigosa, the former mayor of Los Angeles, is making headlines as he runs for governor of California again. Known for his past environmental initiatives, Villaraigosa is now defending the state’s struggling oil industry. This shift in focus has raised eyebrows among environmentalists who once viewed him as an ally.
During his time as mayor from 2005 to 2013, Villaraigosa earned praise for efforts to cut carbon emissions and expand public transportation. However, his political career has also been marked by significant financial support from the oil industry, totaling over $1 million over three decades. Recently, he has accepted more than $176,000 from oil-related donors since entering the governor’s race last year.
Villaraigosa’s stance has become particularly relevant as California faces refinery closures that could lead to rising gas prices. He criticized state policies he believes contributed to these shutdowns, arguing that his focus is on helping everyday Californians who struggle with high fuel costs. “I’m not fighting for refineries,” he stated. “I’m fighting for the people who pay for gas in this state.”
This conflict between environmental goals and economic realities has put Villaraigosa at odds with some within the Democratic Party. He argues that the party’s approach to climate change is too rigid and risks alienating working-class voters. He emphasizes the need for a balanced strategy that includes various energy sources, including oil and gas, to help achieve California’s climate goals without harming the economy.
Environmental groups have expressed disappointment with Villaraigosa’s recent actions, especially since he had previously pledged not to accept donations from oil companies during his last gubernatorial campaign in 2018. Critics like RL Miller from Climate Hawks Vote have pointed out that he appears to be violating this pledge with his current fundraising efforts.
As Villaraigosa campaigns, he faces competition from other Democratic candidates who have committed to not accepting oil industry contributions. This includes prominent figures like Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter. Villaraigosa’s acceptance of fossil-fuel donations has raised questions about his motivations and the influence of money in politics.
Political analysts note that Villaraigosa is positioning himself as a moderate, appealing to voters concerned about the rising cost of living. He believes that focusing on economic issues, such as gas prices and household expenses, is crucial for winning over working-class voters who feel neglected by the current political climate.
Villaraigosa’s campaign highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about how to effectively address climate change while also considering the economic impact on everyday Californians. With the state’s energy future in flux, his approach could shape the direction of California’s environmental policies and its economy in the coming years.