Further commitments are needed to ensure GGRF funds are spent on critical programs

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the May Revision to his 2024-2025 budget proposal, which maintains most of its multi-year commitments to critical clean energy programs, including the Distributed Electricity Backup Assets (DEBA) Program, and clean transportation programs, including those related to zero-emission school buses and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, through shifts to Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. 

According to an initial summary from the Governor’s Office, the May Revision appears poised to include no further reductions to critical investments in clean energy and clean transportation, although the proposal does include the reductions and delays proposed in January, which endanger California’s climate goals. 

“Clean energy programs like the Distributed Electricity Backup Assets Program are vital to keeping California’s lights on during extreme events,” said Edson Perez, California lead at national business association Advanced Energy United. “Clean energy and zero-emission vehicle programs like those funding electric school buses are essential for California to clean up its air and meet its ambitious decarbonization goals. We urge the legislature to prioritize these investments which create good jobs and get us closer to meeting California’s nation-leading clean energy goals.”  

The updated budget will remain up for negotiation until June 15. Advanced Energy United looks forward to engaging with the Governor’s Office and legislature to arrive at a budget that upholds the state’s commitments to zero-emission vehicles and clean energy programs that are crucial in helping communities switch to less-polluting technologies, support in-state jobs, and better position the state to meet its clean energy goals. 

Click here to learn more about Advanced Energy United's work in California.