PETITION: We oppose EO N-22-25!

Dear Governor Newsom,

As a state that has long prided itself on its environmental leadership, we are deeply concerned about the Executive Order (EO) mandating that state employees return to the office four days a week starting July 1, 2025. This mandate stands in stark contrast to California’s climate goals and the progressive steps the state has made toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

California has positioned itself as a global climate leader, taking bold action to address climate change. However, the requirement for state workers to return to the office four days a week will result in a substantial increase in GHG emissions from commuting—an increase that undermines the very climate progress the state has worked so hard to achieve.

Before the shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state's workers were regularly commuting to work, contributing to significant GHG emissions. With the adoption of remote work, GHG emissions from commuting saw a substantial reduction. However, the hybrid work requirement (two days a week in the office) that was implemented last year has already reversed some of those gains. Returning to the office four days a week would nearly double these emissions, resulting in a further setback for California’s climate policies.

Let’s take a closer look at the emissions data:

Emissions Impact Calculation:

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear why a near-total return to work undermines California’s climate goals and “leadership” status:

Current Emissions (Hybrid Model, 2 Days a Week): 200,000 employees x 60 miles x 404 grams CO2 per mile x 2 days x 52 weeks = 630,720,000,000 grams of CO2 annually or 630,720 metric tons of CO2.

Proposed Emissions (Near-Full Return to Office, 4 Days a Week): 200,000 employees x 60 miles x 404 grams CO2 per mile x 4 days x 52 weeks = 1,260,160,000,000 grams of CO2 annually or 1,260,160 metric tons of CO2.

This demonstrates that a return to the office four days a week could result in an additional 630,000 metric tons of CO2annually, effectively doubling emissions from commuting. Even accounting for a some employee’s use of alternative transportation modes (walking, biking, public transit, etc.), this is a dramatic and unnecessary increase in emissions, particularly when alternative work models have proven to be effective in reducing environmental impacts. The reality of California’s transportation system is that we are still auto-dependent. Implementing a return-to-office requirement of this nature is not only hypocritical, it’s harmful. 

Other Benefits of Telework
Beyond the climate implications, it is also important to recognize the other advantages of remote and hybrid work:

There are some notable benefits to in-person work. These benefits, however, have already been seen through the 2-day office requirement. Many agencies also lack the office space to accommodate full workforces.

A Call to Action
We strongly urge you to reconsider this executive order and explore alternatives that continue to support California’s climate goals while also allowing for the flexibility and benefits that remote and hybrid work provide. As a state, we must take meaningful steps to curb emissions, not increase them. This policy change threatens to undo years of progress toward a sustainable future.

Sincerely,
California State Workers