Sacramento, Calif. – With Gov. Gavin Newsom launching “Made in California,” a statewide campaign celebrating the state as the nation’s leader in manufacturing jobs and urging consumers to buy Californian, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is calling on Governor Newsom to veto SB 954, a bill that would unravel the streamlined permitting the Legislature promised advanced manufacturers just last year.
“We agree with Governor Newsom — California makes just about everything, and we make it better than anyone. But consumers can only buy Californian if manufacturers can build in California,” said CMTA President & CEO Lance Hastings. “SB 954 breaks the promise made to advanced manufacturing projects last year when the Legislature streamlined CEQA review. The bill layers on new approvals, requirements and restrictions on where facilities can locate, and threatens our competitiveness, jobs and economy. Governor Newsom has made the case for California-made products, but signing SB 954 would undercut that very message. We’re asking him to match his words with action, veto SB 954, and keep California’s promise to the manufacturers ready to invest here.”
Background: SB 954, sold as “clean up” legislation, passed the Assembly on Aug. 26 and passed the Senate on concurrence on Aug. 28. It now heads to Governor Newsom’s desk.
California currently leads the nation in manufacturing. According to the Governor’s announcement:
- California manufacturing is a $385 billion industry, generating 9 percent of the state’s GDP in 2025 and $159 billion in exports in 2024.
- Manufacturing employs 1.24 million Californians at wages more than $25,000 above the state’s non-farm average, and each manufacturing job supports an estimated three more in surrounding communities.
- California has invested more than $215 million since 2021 to train over 194,000 manufacturing workers.
The Governor’s “Made in California” announcement is available here.
###
About CMTA
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $382 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.2 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.