With California’s gubernatorial primary outcome now settled, Xavier Becerra will face off against Steve Hilton to determine who will succeed Gavin Newsom.
Big Oil, investor-owned utilities, and other corporate interests poured more than $50 million into Becerra’s campaign so far. Becerra indicated that he’d support delaying California’s 2045 climate targets, despite having led the state’s efforts as Attorney General to fight federal rollbacks on clean car rules and other environmental laws. And Hilton has vowed to ditch all of California’s climate policies.
Both Becerra and Hilton often speak about affordability on the campaign trail, falsely blaming climate action for rising costs. It’s clear: we must now step up our efforts to ensure that state policymakers understand climate solutions are affordability solutions.
When California regulators open the energy market to virtual power plants — networks of rooftop solar, EV batteries, smart thermostats, and more — Californians will save billions on electricity bills. These networks could save you and me about $550 million each year.
Similarly, every dollar strategically invested in natural climate solutions can save as much as eight dollars in avoided costs. Urban greening alone yields roughly $8 billion each year in reduced healthcare, cooling, and other costs. And every dollar invested in forest restoration and wetland protection can save up to seven dollars in wildfire and flooding costs.
The state can also support affordability by ending the multibillion-dollar corporate tax loophole known as “Water’s Edge,” which allows fossil fuel and other corporations to avoid paying California taxes on their profits. This handout robs the state of $3 to $4 billion each year, while you and I make up the difference as taxpayers. Tell your Assemblymember to support AB 1790 (Connolly) and repeal this tax avoidance scheme.
Whoever becomes our next governor, we’ll make sure they understand that climate solutions will secure a more affordable, vibrant, and healthy California for all.
This blog first appeared in The Climate Center’s bi-weekly newsletter. To keep up with the latest climate news and ways to take action for a climate-safe future, subscribe today!
