For Immediate Release

September 15, 2025

Contact: Elisa Rivera

Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov (559) 264-3070

Senator Caballero’s Clean Energy Package Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor’s Desk

SACRAMENTO — Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) announced that her Clean Energy Package — four major bills to create good union wage jobs, clean California’s environment, and build a stronger energy future — passed the Legislature and now heads to the Governor for signature.

“This package is about creating good jobs, lowering pollution, and keeping California at the forefront of clean energy,” said Senator Caballero. “By advancing fusion energy, reducing wildfire smoke, reducing diesel at our ports, and making hydrogen vehicles more affordable, we’re building healthier communities and a stronger, more reliable energy system.”

The Clean Energy Package includes:

• SB 80 — Fusion Energy Hubs
  SB 80 directs the California Energy Commission to establish the Fusion Research and Development Innovation Fund to support work to accelerate the development of fusion energy, a clean, safe and reliable power source to grow good, clean energy jobs and keep California at the forefront of innovation.
• SB 88 — Cleaner Air and Biomass Use
  SB 88 tackles air pollution from wildfires and the open burning of agricultural waste by requiring the Air Resources Board to track and reduce emissions. The bill promotes turning agricultural and forest waste into clean energy and useful products like biofuels and biochar. This approach not only reduces toxic smoke and greenhouse gases but also creates new economic opportunities in rural communities.
• SB 298 — Clean Ports Plan
  SB 298 sets California on a path to transition seaports away from dirty diesel fuels. The bill requires a comprehensive plan to build the infrastructure needed for clean alternative fuels, ensuring California ports remain competitive while protecting the health of nearby communities that have long suffered from high pollution levels.
• SB 419 — Hydrogen Fuel Tax Act
  SB 419 ensures California’s tax system does not discourage clean energy adoption by reducing double taxation on hydrogen-powered vehicles. Currently, hydrogen drivers pay both sales tax at the pump and an annual $100 road improvement fee — unlike drivers of gas-powered vehicles. SB 419 partially exempts hydrogen fuel from the state sales and use tax while keeping the road improvement fee. This common-sense fix promotes fairness, encourages clean energy adoption, and supports California’s commitment to a sustainable, competitive hydrogen future.

Together, these measures will:

• Cut pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
• Create thousands of clean energy and green economy jobs
• Strengthen California’s leadership in the fight against climate change
• Provide healthier air and safer communities, especially for families in the Central Valley and other regions hardest hit by pollution

“California can create good jobs and cleaner air by leading the clean energy economy of the future,” Caballero added.

The bills now await the Governor’s consideration.

For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at 559-264-3070

Senator Anna M. Caballero proudly represents California's 14th Senate District, leading efforts to advance clean energy, improve healthcare access, expand affordable housing and create opportunities for working families across Merced, Fresno, and Madera Counties.

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