Governor Signs Local Electrification Planning Act into Law

AB 39 will ensure equitable electrification planning across California, prioritizing low-income communities and renters in the clean energy transition.

SACRAMENTO, CA - Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) announced today that Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 39, the Local Electrification Planning Act, into law. Sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition and CALSTART, this groundbreaking law requires California cities and counties with populations exceeding 75,000 to create and adopt electrification plans that expand access to clean energy solutions and ensure communities are prepared for the state's transition to zero-emission technologies.

California has committed to ambitious climate and clean energy goals, including putting 8 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030 and electrifying appliances and equipment in homes and businesses. To meet these goals, the state will need an estimated 1 million new charging stations, along with major investments in home and community electrification. Yet today, renters, multi-family households, and low-income communities face the steepest barriers to electrification. Without sufficient planning at the local level, many Californians will lack access to the electric vehicle chargers, infrastructure, and resources necessary to fully participate in the state's clean energy future.

With AB 39 in effect, local governments will play a critical role in closing infrastructure gaps, providing equitable access to electric vehicle charging, and helping residents retrofit their homes for clean energy appliances. The measure explicitly prioritizes low-income families, renters, small businesses, and those who rely on street parking-ensuring they are not left behind as California advances its climate goals.

"California cannot meet its climate goals unless every community has the tools and infrastructure to make the clean energy transition," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "With the signing of AB 39, we're ensuring that local governments-who know their communities best-are empowered to plan for equitable electrification. This law makes clear that renters, low-income families, and small businesses must be at the center of our state's clean energy future, not left on the sidelines."

"AB 39 is a powerful step forward in helping expand access to highly efficient heat pumps and life-saving cooling for California's low-income and working-class communities," said Madison Vander Klay, Senior Government Affairs Manager at the Building Decarbonization Coalition. "We commend Assemblymember Zbur, the Legislature, and the Administration for recognizing the urgent need to support local governments in the clean energy transition to help build a resilient future for all Californians."

Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a significant pro-EV bill into law. We commend the Governor for supporting Assemblymember Zbur and the Legislature's vision -embodied in AB39-for how we empower local governments to modernize and expand critical EV charging infrastructure," said Darryl Little Jr., State Policy Director at CALSTART. "By building out the charging network that renters, homeowners, and drivers need to adopt EVs, this legislation helps support and accelerate the EV market, improve air quality, and move California closer to its climate goals."

AB 39 takes effect January 1, 2026.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.

CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, [email protected]