California Clean Energy Groups Back New Ballot Measure

California's clean energy future just got a powerful boost from the groups working to build it.

Six major clean energy organizations announced their support for the Building an Affordable California Act, a 2026 ballot measure designed to accelerate critical infrastructure projects across the state. The coalition includes American Clean Power California, the California Energy Storage Alliance, and four other leading industry groups.

The measure tackles a problem that's been quietly holding California back. Clean energy projects currently face 3 to 9 years of delays due to red tape and overlapping reviews. Those delays don't just slow progress on climate goals; they drive up costs for everyday Californians and keep cleaner air out of reach.

"Building clean energy faster means lower bills, cleaner air, and more reliable power," said Alex Jackson, Executive Director of American Clean Power California. The initiative establishes clear, enforceable timelines for agency decisions and court reviews while keeping all environmental protections in place.

The measure covers the full range of clean energy infrastructure. Solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage facilities, and grid upgrades would all move through a modernized approval process. New clean energy technologies would benefit too.

Environmental safeguards stay strong under the proposal. The initiative doesn't weaken California's landmark environmental law or exempt any projects from review. Instead, it requires agencies and courts to make timely, evidence-based decisions using clear existing rules.

Scott Murtishaw, Executive Director of the California Energy Storage Alliance, emphasized the stakes. "California cannot meet its emissions goals without rapidly scaling clean energy and storage," he said. The measure provides the predictability needed to build renewable power infrastructure at the pace climate science demands.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits extend beyond energy bills and emissions reductions. More than 60 organizations have joined the coalition, including affordable housing advocates, civil rights leaders, water providers, and agricultural groups. The measure applies to housing, hospitals, schools, broadband, and wildfire prevention projects too.

Shannon Eddy of the Large-Scale Solar Association pointed to the bigger picture. "Climate disasters are costing Californians billions, yet our permitting process continues to delay the clean energy infrastructure we urgently need," she said.

The initiative preserves public input and tribal cultural resource protections while cutting unnecessary delays. Agencies and courts keep their oversight roles but work within clear timeframes that prevent projects from languishing for years.

California is showing that climate action and smart governance can work together to build the infrastructure communities need.