California Legislature Calls for Dodgers to Drop Oil Sponsorships
In a recent communication, California Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) has urged Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter to terminate the team’s sponsorship agreements with oil and gas corporations. In her letter, Gonzalez expressed that maintaining connections with these companies is detrimental to both the community and the environment.
Concerns Over Air Quality and Environmental Impact
Gonzalez highlighted the severe air pollution challenges faced by Angelenos, noting that the region ranks among the most polluted in the nation. This situation has been linked to various adverse health outcomes, a concern underscored by recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. She further argued that “fossil fuel pollution is responsible for not only the climate crisis but also the persistently harmful air quality in the region.”
Calls to Action from Activists
Among the prominent sponsors of the Dodgers is Phillips 66, a Houston-based oil company known for its 76 gas stations. The branding is highly visible at Dodger Stadium, which has motivated activists to rally for an end to this partnership. A petition hosted on MoveOn.org has accumulated nearly 23,000 signatures advocating for the removal of Phillips 66’s branding from the stadium.
Legal Actions Against Oil Companies
California is currently pursuing legal action against several oil and gas firms, including Phillips 66, accusing them of a long-standing campaign to obscure the realities of climate change and hinder the shift to renewable energy. The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed this lawsuit to proceed, spotlighting the growing tensions between environmental advocacy and the fossil fuel industry.
Historical Context of the Dodgers’ Sponsorship Choices
The Dodgers have a storied history of breaking barriers within sports, such as when they signed Jackie Robinson, the first African American major league player, and when they halted advertising for cigarettes at Dodger Stadium in the 1960s. More contemporary initiatives have included efforts to promote public transportation to games and sustainability programs.
The Response from the Dodgers and Community Leaders
Gonzalez emphasized that the ongoing association with large oil companies contradicts the Dodgers’ historical reputation for progressive actions. She indicated that removing Phillips 66 advertising would signal a shift away from fossil fuel reliance towards a more sustainable future.
Climate activist Zan Dubin, who is leading the movement to sever ties with Phillips 66, commended Gonzalez for her leadership, stating, “Greenwashing must end so we can accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.”
Broader Industry Context
The Dodgers are not alone in this industry trend; a report from UCLA Law’s Emmett Institute noted that at least 59 U.S. sports franchises receive sponsorship funds from oil and gas companies. This includes several other California teams, such as LAFC, Sacramento Kings, and the San Francisco Giants.
Future Implications
As the Dodgers prepare for their opening season games in Tokyo and their home opener later this month, the visibility of the 76 logo remains a pertinent issue. Gonzalez hopes that the players, as influential figures, will advocate for the cessation of fossil fuel advertisements. “I’d love for [Shohei] Ohtani or [Freddie] Freeman or someone to say, ‘This is important to us, too,’” she remarked.
In the coming weeks, the ongoing debate regarding the Dodgers’ partnerships with fossil fuel companies will likely remain a focal point for activists and community leaders, reflecting wider societal shifts towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
