California Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading a state delegation to the United Nations climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, the governor’s office announced Tuesday.
The visit aims to strengthen international partnerships and highlight the state’s environmental programs as the Trump administration declines to send a federal delegation to the summit, the office said. The U.S. State Department confirmed it will not send representatives to the conference, according to the announcement.
The summit, known as COP31, runs from Nov. 9 to Nov. 20. The governor’s office stated the federal administration has moved to withdraw the United States from the UN climate treaty and roll back pollution limits on power plants.
Newsom’s delegation includes First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot, and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. California Public Utilities Commission President John Reynolds, California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez, and Land Use and Climate Innovation Director Samuel Assefa are also attending.
At the summit, Newsom is expected to meet with world leaders and announce new climate partnerships, the office said. First Partner Siebel Newsom will focus on supporting women’s leadership in shaping climate solutions.
The governor’s office cited recent state environmental and economic figures to support its agenda, including a 3.9% decline in climate pollution in 2024 alongside 3.2% economic growth. The state reported that 67% of its retail electricity sales at the end of 2024 came from clean energy sources.
California has reached 2.7 million zero-emission vehicle purchases and increased battery storage capacity to more than 23,000 megawatts, the office said. According to a 2025 report from E2 cited by the state, California employs 552,300 workers in clean energy technologies.