WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund released an updated environmental scorecard today evaluating the five top-polling candidates for California governor on environmental issues. The updated scorecard adds an evaluation of Xavier Becerra in place of Eric Swalwell and is otherwise unchanged from the original version released in March.

Tom Steyer, who has pledged to hold the fossil fuel industry and monopoly utilities accountable, received an “A” grade, while the newly added Becerra received a “C+” grade.

“Our analysis of the candidates shows that Tom Steyer is the clear choice to protect the air we breathe, water we drink, and a livable climate,” said Karuna Jaggar, California political director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund. “We are proud to support environmental champion Tom Steyer for governor.”

The candidates were assessed on key issues, including holding the fossil fuel industry accountable, protecting frontline community voices and public input, fighting monopolistic utilities, conserving California’s lands and wildlife, and safeguarding people from toxic pollution.

Becerra received a “C+” grade, the lowest of the three top Democratic contenders, due to his history of accepting oil money, including the maximum allowable donation of $39,200 from Chevron in this race, paired with his weakness on holding fossil fuel corporations accountable. His mixed record in office and his campaign’s overall deprioritization of all environmental issues, none of which appear on his campaign website, were also key factors.

Steyer received an “A” based on his campaign adopting and promoting clear, strong environmental pledges, as well as his past positions on climate and the environment.

Former congresswoman Katie Porter received a “B+” grade based on her positive environmental record in Congress but a de-emphasis on environmental issues during her gubernatorial run. The two Republican candidates received failing grades because of their pro-fossil fuel, deregulatory agendas and promises to dismantle California’s nation-leading environmental standards.