(Salinas) – Today, Assemblyman Robert Rivas denounced the Trump administration decision to open up over 725,000 acres of local land to oil drilling. Rivas went on to ask Governor Gavin Newsom to contest the unprecedented increase of oil exploration on public land. Rivas has officially requested that the Governor file a protest, since Trump’s plans are inconsistent with state and local laws.

“This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. Fighting this destructive plan is the right thing to do to protect our health and our future,” said Rivas. “This move by the President was void of research or community input. That’s why I’m calling on the Governor to use his power to review the proposal and highlight how this plan takes us backwards and how it is out of touch with the will of the people. It is entirely inconsistent with state and local law.”

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) issued the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom released his May budget revision:

“The Governor continues to strike a smart balance, advancing a bold, progressive agenda, while keeping the state’s fiscal house in order. We must take action to give more people access to the California Dream and to ensure the state can continue to make that dream accessible in good economic times and in bad. This budget takes important steps to ensure that is a reality.”