The Coalition for Environmental Equity and Economics (CEEE) Lauds Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin for the Introduction of Legislation to Repeal the Proposed Utility Tax
CEEE leadership cites the legislation as a seminal moment for environmental justice, economic equity,
and breaking the political stranglehold of monopoly utilities and their political allies.
STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Updated January 31, 2024
(Oakland, CA • Los Angeles, CA • San Joaquin Valley )
The leadership of CEEE believes that California’s energy policy stands at a critical crossroads if we are to meet the dual challenges of climate and environmental justice. As a coalition representing environmental justice, immigrant, and black church communities, we are dedicated to ensuring that California’s Green energy transition policies are rooted in sustainability and economic equity.
With those principles in mind, CEEE praises the leadership and courage of Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin as she introduces legislation to repeal the deceptive “Fixed-Charge” that is nothing more than a Utility Tax.
The monopoly utilities (IOUs) and their political allies tout the Fixed Charge policy as a “predictable” rate restructuring that would help accelerate electrification. However, upon rigorous examination, it is clear that the so-called fixed charge is nothing more than a deceptive scheme to increase utility profits on the backs of California’s working class, especially modest-income families living in apartments, condos, and smaller homes. In short, millions of people across California will see their bills go up. The policy does not intend to lower energy bills but to bolster IOU profits with the highest guaranteed monthly fees in the United States. Additionally, a high fixed-charge policy systematically abandons California’s longstanding commitment to energy conservation.
CEEE is proud to have helped organize a powerful grassroots coalition of more than two hundred environmental justice, affordable housing, renter, consumer, faith-based, immigrant rights, and climate justice organizations in asking for a repeal of the Utility Tax. We will now focus on advocating for the passage of the Utility Tax Repeal in the California Assembly and State Senate and, ultimately, a signature by Governor Gavin Newsom.
We also salute the insight and courage of the following members who are supporting a Repeal of the Utility Tax including