MAY 1, 2026
San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility stands in solidarity with the thousands of community members mobilizing to protect workers and democracy this May Day.
As we observe the trends of the federal government introducing legislation for immunity to the industries that harm us, it is more important than ever that we amplify community action to demand that our leaders put an end to prioritizing profits over people. From the congressional bill that would give immunity to Big Oil companies, to the Farm Bill that cuts approximately $1 billion from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, we believe maximizing industry profits should not come at the cost of our health.
In California, we are working to ensure the California Environmental Quality Act will still be an essential and useful tool to protect communities from industrial manufacturing pollution.
We hope this day of action inspires you to learn more and participate in garnering our collective power against authoritarianism, Big Oil, and corporate greed. Below you will find more information about the advocacy we are supporting to stop these industries from further harming our communities.
Read more about these bills below and stay tuned for further actions in the coming weeks.
No Immunity for Big Oil
The Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 —a name that suggests accountability has gone too far—would instead ensure it barely exists at all. The bill was introduced in the House H.R. 8330 and Senate S. 4340 in April. This legislation would give fossil fuel companies complete immunity from any laws or lawsuits that seek to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in damage to the climate. Providing immunity for these companies would threaten current pending cases looking to rectify damage caused by wildfires, pollution of waterways, flooding, sea level rise, and other environmental damage. This would threaten current Make Polluters Pay legislation, and deem our Make Polluters Pay movement in California and other states invalid. We will not accept that Big Oil is above the law, and will continue to advocate against permitting the costs of these climate events to fall on those who had no say in the destruction of our climate. As these bills attempt to move through their respective Judiciary Committees, we will alert you to our advocacy efforts to oppose this harmful legislation.
The Farm Bill
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567 Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. This bill, also known as the Farm Bill, was amended to remove the original provisions that would have protected pesticide companies from liability for the health harms caused by pesticides, as well as exempt these companies from having to provide warning labels for consumers about the risks of affected products. Despite this change to the bill, other harmful aspects of the bill remain, including the cementation of the $187 billion H.R. 1 cut to SNAP, and cutting billions of dollars from farm conservation programs that support sustainability in farming (CSP AND EQIP). Both of which will do irreparable harm to the health of our communities and environment. Please thank our Bay Area U.S. House Members who all voted against this version of the bill. Click here to see the detailed roll call. Click on your representatives name and call their office to leave your appreciation. It’s easy and super helpful!
As the bill moves to be considered in the Senate, we will continue to alert you to our advocacy efforts to oppose this harmful legislation.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
What does CEQA do?
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was written to protect the people and natural regions of California from the harmful effects of industry and other development. It requires that projects analyze their potential effects on air, water, and other environmental factors, and mitigate any significant negative impacts.
Four provisions make CEQA particularly effective where permits and other regulatory measures fall short. The law provides for meaningful community engagement; requires the assessment of alternative project sites; analyzes cumulative environmental impacts; and can trigger the application of other protective laws, including air and water quality laws and waste management permits.
CEQA is one of the few tools available to overburdened communities to discover and limit the impacts of potentially harmful developments.
Support SB 954 to Protect CEQA
Last year, SB 131 was passed, this trailer bill provides exemptions for all “advanced manufacturing” facilities from CEQA. SB 131 threatens to expose our state’s most vulnerable populations to undisclosed and unmitigated industrial hazards.
This CEQA exemption allows certain industrial projects to move forward without full environmental review or public disclosure, including facilities that may involve toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health risks, sometimes near homes, schools, and neighborhoods, of course disproportionally impacting marginalized fence-line communities.
This issue raises concerns about:
- Preventing exposure to toxic pollution
- Protecting the public’s right to know about plans to develop these facilities in their communities
- Avoiding long-term cleanup costs borne by communities and taxpayers
In response, we are organizing advocacy to support SB 954 (Blakespear) a proposed fix to the “toxic pollution loophole”/“advanced manufacturing” exemption from CEQA, that occurred with the passage of SB 131.
Sign-UP for our Action Alerts that make it easy for you to make your voice heard. Every voice makes a difference. Sign up here or at button top right of page.
We only send one email a week, and we will never share your info.
SAVE the DATE!
Wednesday, September 30, 6:30pm PT!
SF Bay PSR’s Annual GALA: Gathering for Action, Leadership, and Advocacy
Democracy in Crisis and the Courage to Act
With Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward: a national nonprofit using litigation to protect our constitutional rights
With the rise of authoritarianism in the US and globally, how do we protect our democratic rights that make it possible to defend against the greatest threats to human and planetary health?
SF Bay PSR’s 2026 Gala will feature Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, a national leader using the law to build collective power and advance equity, justice, and democracy. She will share one of the most important tools we have in this moment, the ability to litigate against — to sue —our government, and win!
Join us to learn how we as citizens and health professionals can save and strengthen the health of our democracy!
Featuring keynote speaker Skye Perryman!
President & CEO, Democracy Forward
Former Chief Legal Officer, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
TIME 100 Honoree | 2026 Woman Lawyer of the Year (WBA-DC)
Author of the forthcoming book Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times
May-September 30, 2026: We are looking for both financial sponsors ($500 to $10,000) and outreach sponsors. Please contact our ED Marj Plumb at director@sfbaypsr.org to discuss.
