Clean Energy Leaders Unite Behind Building an Affordable California Act

For Immediate Release
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Broad coalition says measure will accelerate clean energy projects statewide, lower costs, and help California meet climate goals

(March 26, 2026) Sacramento, CA-A broad coalition of clean energy and climate leaders today announced their support for the Building an Affordable California Act (Affordable CA), a statewide ballot measure designed to speed up delivery of critical infrastructure-including clean energy and climate projects-while lowering costs for Californians and keeping strong environmental protections in place.

Supporters include American Clean Power - California; California Energy Storage Alliance; Large-Scale Solar Association; California Wind Energy Association; California Hydrogen Coalition; and the Breakthrough Institute.

"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," said Alex Jackson, Executive Director, American Clean Power - California.

Meeting California's climate goals depends on rapidly scaling clean energy but projects are routinely delayed for years by red tape, duplicative review, and litigation. These delays raise costs for consumers, slow progress on clean air, and hold back projects that reduce carbon emissions.

Affordable CA addresses these challenges by establishing clear, enforceable timelines and consistent rules for agency decisions and judicial review-cutting project delays by 3 to 9+ years and providing the certainty needed to build at scale.

"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," said Scott Murtishaw, Executive Director, California Energy Storage Alliance.

Affordable CA applies to essential clean energy infrastructure across the board-including solar, wind, battery storage, grid upgrades, and new technologies-helping ensure reliable and affordable power for California's growing needs.

Supporters emphasized that Affordable CA does not weaken environmental protections or exempt any projects from CEQA. Instead, it modernizes the process by requiring agencies and courts to make timely, evidence-based decisions based on clear, existing rules while preserving public input and environmental safeguards.

"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," said Shannon Eddy, Executive Director, Large-Scale Solar Association.

In addition to leading clean energy advocates, Affordable CA is supported by a broad and growing coalition of more than 60 organizations-including affordable housing advocates, civil rights leaders, water providers, agricultural groups, and dozens of business organizations.

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BACKGROUND: The Building an Affordable California Act modernizes California's project approval and permitting process for essential projects-including housing, water infrastructure, clean energy, transportation infrastructure, hospitals and health care facilities, schools and educational facilities, broadband, and wildfire prevention and resilience projects-by establishing clear timelines, improving accountability, and reducing unnecessary delays, while preserving strong environmental, labor, and tribal cultural resource protections.

Learn More: BuildAffordableCA.com

Ad paid for by Committee to Build an Affordable California, Sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce. Ad Committee's Top Funders:
Building a Better California
Edison International & Affiliated Entities
California Building Industry Association
Funding details at www.fppc.ca.gov