Xavier Becerra’s election as California governor places a new emphasis on how the state’s clean energy policies affect energy affordability, including electricity costs and reliability as well as gasoline prices.
Becerra supports continuing California’s policies aimed at a clean-energy transition but said the state should be open to adjusting climate deadlines if families cannot afford the transition or the state was not on track to meet its targets. He stated on his campaign website that “climate action only succeeds if it is affordable, reliable, and fair.”
Affordability as a test for climate policy
Becerra’s clearest electricity proposal is “Power Hour,” which would provide eligible households with up to two free hours of electricity each day around midday. His campaign says the program would encourage customers to use power when solar generation is plentiful, reduce demand during more expensive evening hours, and save some families about $1,000 a year. The proposal did not specify a funding source and an implementation plan. Becerra’s energy platform also calls for stronger utility oversight and accountability.
That affordability test also applies to transportation and climate targets. In a CalMatters candidate interview, Becerra said California’s clean-air goals are important but should consider the ability of families to afford the transition.
He left open whether the 2035 zero-emission vehicle target should move if the state is not on course, while saying investment in charging infrastructure could make the goal feasible.
Maintaining in-state gasoline production
Becerra has also argued that California should maintain gasoline production while expanding cleaner energy. In an interview with LAist, he said the state should avoid destabilizing local supply and called for producing as much gasoline in California as possible to reduce reliance on imports.
A bridge role for nuclear power
At a September meeting with the Bay Area Council, he supported extending Diablo Canyon’s operation, increasing solar energy, and increasing battery storage from batteries made in the state.
Continued opposition to offshore oil drilling
He has long opposed expanding offshore oil drilling. As attorney general, Becerra said he would “vigorously oppose new drilling off the shores of our coast.”
Cap-and-invest
Becerra’s campaign has not provided a detailed position on California’s cap-and-invest program. That leaves an important question about whether his affordability focus would affect the state’s carbon market or its broader climate commitments.
Implementation will determine the impact
These positions could put refinery capacity, in-state oil production, and Diablo Canyon before the governor and Legislature as they weigh reliability and costs against environmental goals.
For energy companies, utilities, and ratepayers, the key issue will be how these broad priorities impact agency direction and legislation. Becerra’s election points toward continued clean energy investment with a focus on who pays.