California Elected Officials Asked to Take Immediate Action Vowing to Reverse Affordability Crisis

New campaign asks lawmakers to stop overlooking California families by promising to stop policies that raise cost of living in Golden State

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With elected officials in Sacramento recognizing that Californians are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis and demanding action to make the state more affordable, a new campaign from the Western States Petroleum Association is asking leaders to commit to opposing any new policies that would increase Californians’ energy bills.

“It’s time for lawmakers to show they’re serious about stopping unnecessary cost increases,” said WSPA President and CEO Catherine Reheis-Boyd. “That’s why we’ve created the California Energy Affordability Promise. Californians deserve a signed pledge from their leaders to vote against anything that makes life more expensive.”

The Energy Affordability Promise asks lawmakers to side with consumers and block any more government-imposed costs from taxes, fees and other policies.

Californians can visit CAEnergyAffordabilityPromise.com to stand up against higher prices by sending a letter to their legislators and local officials that says: “Right now, nearly 30% of the per-gallon price of gasoline is due to taxes and fees, according to the California Energy Commission.¹ I urge you to oppose any policy that would increase that percentage. Today, over 2.2 million Californians are an average of $821 behind on their utility bills.² In the last ten years, the California Public Utilities Commission has approved rate increases nearly three times higher than inflation.³ Please oppose policies that would increase this burden on families.”

“This promise is about energy affordability, but we hope it’s the start of a broader conversation about state policies that drive up the cost of other necessities like housing and food. When our leaders’ words about affordability are reflected in their votes, we’ll know that Californians are being heard,” said Reheis-Boyd.

The campaign will integrate with existing WSPA advocacy efforts including “Facts Per Gallon,” “Levanta Tu Voz” and “Better Way,” and will involve advertising, local coalition outreach, tabling events, and direct constituent engagement, allowing Californians to review the evidence and ask their elected representatives to sign the California Energy Affordability Promise.

Sources:
¹ Estimated Gasoline Price Breakdown and Margins – California Energy Commission
² The Public Advocates Office at the California Public Utilities Commission – 2024 Electric Rates Report
³ U.S. Energy Information Administration; California Department of Tax and Fee Administration; Low Carbon Fuel Standard based on OPIS methodology; Cap-and-Trade based on most recent Auction Settlement Price for California Carbon Allowances. All information was accessed in January 2025.

About WSPA

Founded in 1907, the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) is the oldest petroleum trade association in the United States. WSPA represents a dynamic membership of companies at the forefront of petroleum exploration, production, refining, and transportation, as well as leaders in renewable energy and carbon management innovations. Serving Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, WSPA is committed to providing reliable and affordable energy access for all Americans. We advocate for policies that balance social, economic, and environmental considerations. Our approach is inclusive and data-driven, as we educate government leaders, the media, and the public. WSPA strives to ensure informed policy decisions that will secure a vibrant and sustainable energy future for all.