California cities and counties with populations over 75,000 will soon be required to develop detailed electrification plans under a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom this week. Assembly Bill 39, authored by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) and sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition and CALSTART, aims to ensure that communities across the state are prepared for California’s clean energy transition.
The Local Electrification Planning Act requires local governments to map out how they will expand access to clean energy solutions—such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, electric appliances, and building retrofits—while ensuring that low-income residents and renters are not left behind.
California has set some of the nation’s most ambitious climate targets, including deploying 8 million electric vehicles by 2030 and electrifying appliances and equipment in homes and businesses. Meeting those goals will require an estimated one million new charging stations and significant upgrades to local electrical infrastructure.
However, many renters, multi-family residents, and low-income communities currently face major barriers to electrification. Advocates say that without strong local planning, these groups could miss out on the benefits of clean energy—and the financial savings it can bring.
“With the signing of AB 39, we’re ensuring that local governments—who know their communities best—are empowered to plan for equitable electrification,” Zbur said in a statement. “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.”
Supporters say the new law will help cities identify infrastructure gaps, streamline permitting for EV chargers, and plan for community-wide electrification initiatives. By prioritizing equitable access, they argue, California can accelerate its shift to zero-emission technologies while ensuring that the benefits reach all residents—not just homeowners or wealthier communities.
AB 39 positions local governments as key partners in achieving the state’s clean energy and climate goals, making them responsible for charting a path toward an electrified, zero-emission future.
“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,” said Darryl Little Jr., State Policy Director at CALSTART.
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