Lower Energy Costs for families

Subject: Support AB 1156: Help Save Jobs and Lower Energy Costs

Dear [Lawmaker Name],

As your constituent, I’m urging you to support AB 1156 (Wicks)—a commonsense solution that addresses both California’s water crisis and our state’s need for affordable, clean energy and good-paying jobs.

Due to water shortages, nearly 1 million acres of farmland are being forced out of production. That means lost jobs, lost income, and hardship for countless working families in communities like mine.

But this challenge presents an opportunity. AB 1156 modernizes the Williamson Act so that land that has no future in farming can remain in production by instead harvesting the sun.  AB 1156 removes barriers and fees associated with the Williamson Act on land impacted by SGMA water restrictions to enable solar energy projects.

This legislation will:

• Help lower electricity bills for working families by removing barriers and fees

• Generate billions in local tax revenue and labor income

• Provide farmers with an economic lifeline

• Create jobs

• Maintain local control 

We’ve seen this work. In the San Joaquin Valley, solar projects like the Luna Valley facility created over 150 jobs for electrical workers and brought millions to local governments and landowners. This bill scales that kind of success. We can’t afford to let this opportunity be derailed. California needs affordable energy and we need jobs. AB 1156 delivers both. 

I hope I can count on your support.

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]

[Your Address]