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AB 39 cleared by Senate committee to require local plans for electrification and EV charging in jurisdictions over 75,000
Summary
The Senate Energy Committee advanced AB 39, which would require cities and counties with populations over 75,000 to create plans for electrification and EV charging, with a focus on disadvantaged communities and flexibility to build on existing local plans.
The committee advanced AB 39 after the bill’s author described it as a framework to help local governments prepare for electric vehicles and building electrification needs.
Assemblymember Zbur (presenting) told the committee the bill directs jurisdictions of 75,000 people or more to create and adopt a plan for meeting electrification goals — addressing EV chargers, permitting barriers and building decarbonization — and prioritizing disadvantaged and low-income communities. Zbur said the bill allows jurisdictions to fold required elements into existing general plans or climate action plans and was designed to be flexible.
Witnesses in support included Brandon Wong (CalSTART), Madison Vanderklay (Building Decarbonization Coalition), city representatives (Santa Monica), utilities (Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric), environmental and labor groups, and community advocates. They emphasized that planning at the local level can speed deployment of chargers, reduce permitting delays and make electrification more equitable.
Senators asked for clarifications on whether the bill mandates electrification or only planning; the author and witnesses said the bill is a planning mandate, not a requirement to force conversions. Members also discussed concerns about rural or small jurisdictions and whether the 75,000 threshold was appropriate; the author said the committee agreed to that threshold after prior committee amendments.
Committee action: The committee voted to pass AB 39 as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Supporters said the bill will accelerate infrastructure planning that local governments must do to support the state’s climate goals; some members urged careful coordination with existing state rules and local permitting processes.
Votes at committee: motion carried and AB 39 advanced to Appropriations for fiscal review.
