April 14, 2026
Senator Benjamin Allen
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Chair
1021 O Street, Suite 7610
Sacramento, CA 95814-4900
RE: SB 1359 (Stern) – Gas Transition Responsibility and Electrification Act – OPPOSE
Dear Sen. Allen,
On behalf of Inland Action, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, we oppose SB 1359.
This bill puts safety and reliability at risk by restricting investment in gas infrastructure needed to maintain and modernize existing systems. Tying safety‑critical upgrades to policy thresholds will delay necessary work and increase the risk of service disruptions.
SB 1359 would also harm businesses by enabling the retirement of gas infrastructure and the loss of service many employers depend on to operate. Restaurants, manufacturers, hospitals, and small businesses rely on natural gas for affordability, reliability, and resilience. Losing gas service would increase costs, limit operations, and threaten jobs, especially where electric alternatives are not practical or affordable.
Finally, this approach ignores clear community opposition. Recent community meetings held under SB 1359 showed strong public resistance to forced gas retirements and concerns about affordability, reliability, and choice. Communities are asking for flexibility, not mandates that take energy options away.
For these reasons, we urge you to oppose SB 1359 and protect safety, reliability, and California’s local businesses.
Sincerely,
Julie Michaels
Executive Director
Inland Action