East SBV Times

Senator Valladares and her Republican colleagues have urged Governor Gavin Newsom to reveal the government programs and regulations that are allegedly causing high energy costs in California. Last year, Governor Newsom asked energy entities to identify which programs and regulations were contributing to increased energy costs for customers in the state. The deadline for these disclosures has passed, but the governor has not yet provided information on the factors behind rising energy prices.

"Californians have been burdened by excessively high energy costs for far too long, and we deserve transparency about what’s driving these inflated prices," stated Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita). "It’s been 105 days and there is still no update on how we can reduce these costs. The continued lack of information and accountability raises legitimate concerns about the reasons behind our skyrocketing energy prices."

A letter signed by nine Republican senators calls for full disclosure of all analyses and recommendations from the governor's three main energy bureaucracies. These agencies are responsible for creating and enforcing regulations that can be costly for California's energy producers and consumers. According to an executive order issued by Newsom on October 30, 2024, reports were submitted to him on January 1 but have not been released publicly nor have any cost-cutting measures been implemented.

"Families are paying more to keep their lights on, put food on the table, and do their laundry than ever before," said Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications. She has led multiple efforts to address increases in gasoline and utility costs imposed by bureaucracy. "Californians can’t afford more policies made ‘for the greater good’ that end up making life even more expensive. I sure think the public deserves to hear what they’ve concocted now."

Republican lawmakers hope this request will amplify ongoing demands from media outlets and the public urging Governor Newsom to release these records.