Newsom signs bill to bolster UC Merced and Riverside climate initiatives

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that will bring state investment to the University of California’s two most diverse campuses, Merced and Riverside, with the goal of boosting the state’s inland economy and fighting climate change.

AB 2046 requires the Legislature to allot an unspecified amount of money to expand the two campuses, with a focus on capital projects and research initiatives that address climate change, sustainable agriculture, clean technology, air pollution and other environmental topics.

Sponsored by Assemblymembers Jose Medina, D-Riverside, and Adam Gray, D-Merced, the bill is intended to boost the profile of both universities and spur economic growth in the Inland Empire and Central Valley, which are among the state’s most low-income regions and most affected by environmental challenges.