A bipartisan group of California community leaders is calling on the next governor to make energy affordability a top priority.

In an open letter published yesterday in major newspapers across the state, the local elected officials, business owners, and other leaders write:

“With residential electricity rates up 68% in six years – rising nearly twice as fast as other states – and fuel prices among the highest in the nation, energy affordability has become one of the most pressing challenges facing California families and businesses.”

Noting how “higher energy costs impact the entire economy,” the letter emphasizes how “choices made in the next four years will determine whether California families gain stability – or face even higher costs and greater uncertainty.”

The letter advocates for a balanced approach to energy policy:

“While we can’t give up on our climate goals, we also can’t ignore the fact that we still depend on oil and gas for most of our energy use. With in-state oil production down 40% over the past six years, our state now spends $25 billion annually to import oil from elsewhere.”

In response to energy affordability challenges, the letter calls on the next governor to “adopt an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach where renewables, nuclear, hydro, and traditional fuels work together to provide abundant, reliable, affordable energy.”

“Californians deserve energy policy rooted in real world practicality and compassion – policy that keeps the lights on, protects working and middle-class families, and supports a strong, growing economy.”

Read the letter and view the list of signatories here.