Democrats in Sacramento want to make energy even more expensive

We all know how expensive gas has become in California — and how much more expensive it is than in other states.Household energy prices are also rising dramatically.Now, Sacramento lawmakers are pushing SB 1359, a sweeping new mandate that would make it harder, more expensive, and more legally risky to maintain California’s natural gas infrastructure – all in the name of meeting the state’s aggressive climate change agenda.The bill forces gas utilities to prove that any new infrastructure project aligns with California’s 2045 carbon-neutrality mandate before construction can even begin.

It also requires companies to create a costly “Gas Infrastructure Decommissioning Trust” while simultaneously banning them from recovering those costs through rate increases.In practice, SB 1359 is designed to force California away from natural gas and toward an all-electric future, whether consumers want it or not.That matters because millions of Californians still rely on natural gas for affordable and reliable energy.In 2024, natural gas generated more than one-third of California’s in-state electric supply.

Yet instead of preserving a cheaper energy option, Sacramento is actively penalizing continued investment in gas infrastructure. The timing could not be worse.  California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story California already has some of the highest electricity prices in America.

Residential electricity rates recently hovered around 30 cents per kilowatt-hour, roughly 74% above the national average. At that same time, residential natural gas was around 8 cents per kilowatt-hour in California.The United States Energy Information Administration projects that in 2027, California’s electricity prices will be over five times as high as its natural ga...