Newsom Touts GOP Bill Will Spike Energy Rates—As Californians Already Pay the Price
California Governor Gavin Newsom warned this week that the Republican-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill” could hike electricity prices by up to 30%. But critics quickly noted that Californians are already grappling with some of the highest energy costs in the nation.
In a post on X, Newsom criticized the bill’s proposed rollback of federal green energy subsidies, saying it would harm states like California that have aggressively pursued renewable energy targets.
Yet, according to the California Globe, residents in the Golden State pay 140% more for electricity than the national average. The state’s energy policies—centered around ambitious climate goals—have created a power system that some experts say is financially unsustainable.
California’s climate strategy includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2045. To achieve this, the state has overbuilt wind and solar capacity while struggling with storage limitations. As a result, excess power is often offloaded to neighboring states, a process that ironically costs California even more.
In 2024, the state extended the life of three natural gas plants to avoid blackouts—highlighting the fragility of California’s power grid. Meanwhile, environmental rules have forced older power plants and refineries offline, shrinking supply and driving prices even higher.
On the national front, President Donald Trump slammed leftover “green tax credits” in the GOP bill, calling them “junk” and demanding the repeal of wind subsidies. The Senate passed an amendment last week to speed up deadlines for wind and solar projects, drawing protests from climate activists.
Meanwhile, California’s gas prices remain the highest in the U.S., with a new increase set for this week due to state fuel tax adjustments. On top of that, the state’s low-carbon fuel standard further increases prices by allowing high-emission producers to buy credits from cleaner competitors.
As the national debate over energy policy continues, Californians are left paying the price—literally—for a vision of green energy that’s proving more expensive than expected.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
