A coalition of clean energy and climate leaders announced on March 26 their support for the Building an Affordable California Act, a statewide ballot measure aimed at accelerating critical infrastructure projects such as clean energy while lowering costs for Californians and maintaining environmental protections.
The measure is significant because it seeks to address lengthy delays in delivering essential projects, which supporters say are caused by red tape, repeated reviews, and litigation. These delays have led to higher costs for consumers and slowed progress toward meeting California’s climate goals.
Alex Jackson, Executive Director of American Clean Power – California, said, “Building clean energy faster means lower bills, cleaner air, and more reliable power. The Building an Affordable California Act delivers real benefits for Californians while keeping the state on track to meet its climate goals.” Scott Murtishaw, Executive Director of the California Energy Storage Alliance, added: “California cannot meet its emissions goals without rapidly scaling clean energy and storage. The Building an Affordable California Act will accelerate the projects needed to produce, store, and deliver clean power—faster, more predictably, and at lower cost.”
The act proposes clear timelines and consistent rules for agency decisions and judicial review that could cut project delays by three to nine years or more. It covers various types of infrastructure including solar power facilities, wind farms, battery storage systems, grid upgrades, new technologies—and also applies to housing developments as well as water infrastructure. Shannon Eddy of the Large-Scale Solar Association said: “Climate disasters are costing Californians billions yet our permitting process continues to delay the clean energy infrastructure we urgently need. The Building an Affordable California Act cuts through the red tape—helping deliver affordable reliable clean energy at the speed this moment demands.”
Supporters emphasize that environmental safeguards will remain intact under existing laws such as CEQA; instead of weakening protections or exempting projects from review processes entirely—as some critics have feared—the act would require agencies and courts to make timely evidence-based decisions while preserving public input.
In addition to major renewable industry groups like American Clean Power – California; Large-Scale Solar Association; Wind Energy Association; Hydrogen Coalition; Breakthrough Institute; over 60 organizations—including affordable housing advocates civil rights leaders water providers agricultural groups business organizations—have joined in backing this initiative.
The California Chamber of Commerce serves employers across the state with representation on key issues affecting businesses according to its official website. It seeks a positive business environment promoting job creation and economic growth in California according to its official website. Jennifer Barrera has served as president and chief executive officer according to their website. The chamber also influences legislation through Job Killer/Job Creator lists as per their site while providing compliance resources HR tools legal updates supporting member businesses according to its site.
