Santa Clara County Supervisors Vote for the Future by Divesting From Fossil Fuels

DATE OF RELEASE: May 6, 2026 

SAN JOSE, CA - On April 28th, 2026, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to  add language to the Board of Supervisors Policy Manual that limits future investment in fossil fuel companies. 

This decision marks a positive milestone in an ongoing campaign led by a broad coalition of community groups advocating for fossil fuel divestment. By taking this step, Santa Clara County joins more than 1,500 institutions worldwide, representing over 14 trillion dollars in assets, that have committed to divestment. These include the San Mateo, Napa, and Sonoma County investment pools, the University of California, the California State University system, and the cities of San José, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View.

Santa Clara County is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, drought, sustained heat waves, and hotter, more frequent wildfires. These impacts are affecting both human wellbeing and the environment. Climate change disproportionately affects young people, older adults, people of color, and those in lower socioeconomic communities.

“Santa Clara County has recognized the urgency of the climate emergency,” said Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee. “By updating our investment policy to restrict future fossil fuel investments, we are ensuring our public funds reflect our commitment to climate action.”

The passage of this policy is the result of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, Fossil Free California, Pacifica Climate Committee, Sierra Club and 350 Silicon Valley working closely with members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to address concerns about fossil fuel investments. 

“This decision shows what is possible when young people and community members speak up. Our future should not be tied to industries driving the climate crisis, especially considering that we are the ones who live with the consequences of their actions the longest. Santa Clara County is a model by choosing to invest in its future and people, not harm, and that sets a powerful example that others should follow," said Nova Jayaraj, a youth leader and member of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action.

“I saw the importance of aligning our investments with our climate values when I was on the Mountain View City Council ,“ said Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe Koga. “Bringing this commitment to the county level  multiplies that impact and makes responsible choices with public funds across our entire community.” 

Cheryl Weiden of 350 Silicon Valley emphasized, “Fossil fuel divestment is both a moral and financial imperative. Climate change threatens the systems we all depend on, and at the same time, fossil fuel investments have consistently underperformed. Moving away from these assets is simply the responsible path forward.” 

This policy marks an important step, and we remain committed to working with the County to  fully align public investments with a safe and sustainable future.