California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism from environmental advocates regarding his climate policies, particularly his unfulfilled promise to shut down the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility. Food & Water Action, an environmental group, launched a six-figure ad campaign targeting Newsom's leadership on climate change, highlighting the continued operation of Aliso Canyon, the site of a major methane leak in 2015.

During his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Newsom pledged to close the facility. However, six years later, it remains operational. The environmental group's advertisement emphasizes this broken promise, questioning Newsom's commitment to climate action. The ads are running in key battleground states, including Nevada, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Michigan.

A spokesperson for Newsom defended the governor's energy policies, emphasizing a commitment to safely closing Aliso Canyon without negatively impacting energy affordability. The spokesperson argued that prematurely closing the facility could lead to price spikes, similar to those seen in the gasoline market. They reiterated Newsom's desire to phase out Aliso Canyon responsibly, without burdening working families with increased energy costs. The California Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to discuss the facility's future in a meeting.

Food & Water Action contends that Newsom's actions contradict his image as a climate champion. The group points to policies that they believe undermine climate progress, including policies related to rooftop solar, biogas, carbon capture, and the ongoing operation of Aliso Canyon. They argue that genuine national leadership on climate requires consistent action, not just rhetoric.

While environmental groups advocate for the closure of Aliso Canyon, it remains a significant natural gas storage facility in California, contributing to the state's energy stability. The timing of the ad campaign coincides with speculation about Newsom's potential presidential aspirations in 2028, adding a political dimension to the debate surrounding his climate policies.