Luz
Rivas

Luz Rivas is a climate and environmental justice champion who has worked to address a wide variety of issues as chair of the Natural Resource Committee in the California state Assembly.

Rivas is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she earned a bachelor’s degree, and of Harvard University, where she obtained a master’s in education. In 2018, she was elected to the state Assembly where she co-authored the nation-leading Plastic Pollution Prevention Act to hold plastic-producers accountable for a portion of plastic waste, reduce the amount of plastic packaging produced, and expand the amount of packaging that must be recyclable in the state. Additionally, Rivas authored legislation to combat extreme heat and require climate education in schools. She negotiated California’s 2022 legislative climate package with strong environmental provisions, including a ban on permits for oil and gas wells within 3,200 feet of homes, schools, and clinics.

As a representative, Rivas will continue to be a champion for climate priorities and center environmental and climate justice in her work. Rivas earned a 97% lifetime score from California Environmental Voters while in the state Assembly.

Rivas joins the U.S. House to fill the seat of retiring Representative Tony Cárdenas, who earned an 89% lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard. 

“Residents of the San Fernando Valley deserve a Member of Congress who will focus on mitigating the effects of climate change and that will champion environmental justice issues. I have the record and accomplishments in the legislature to hit the ground running as an environmental champion in Congress.” – LCVAF Questionnaire