President Cecelia De La Torre and 1245 members meeting with Sen. Monique Limón as our priorities advanced.
With the 2025 legislative session now concluded, several priority bills championed by IBEW 1245 have made it through the Legislature and were eagerly signed by Governor Newsom on Friday September 12.
Each of these measures represents months of advocacy by our members, leaders, and allies, both in the halls of the Capitol and on the ground across California.
IBEW 1245-Backed Wins
- Wildfire Fund & Consumer Protections (SB 254 – Becker) – Extends and strengthens California’s Wildfire Fund, ensuring victims have the resources they need to rebuild while holding utilities accountable. The final package also fixed provisions that could have harmed workers and ratepayers, reflecting the persistent advocacy of IBEW 1245.
- Energy Storage Safety (SB 283 – Laird) – Establishes strong safety standards for large-scale battery storage projects, protecting frontline workers and surrounding communities.
- Regional Grid & Pathways Initiative (AB 825 – Petrie Norris) – Advances a more reliable, affordable, and cleaner Western power grid by allowing California to coordinate with neighboring states. The measure helps secure the long-term future of the grid while supporting union jobs.
- Cap-and-Trade Reauthorization (AB 1207 – Irwin) – Extends California’s cap-and-trade program, which generates billions of dollars for clean energy investments that translate into real work for IBEW 1245 members.
IBEW 1245: On the Ground and Inside the Capitol
End-of-session view: 1245 staff in the gallery as our priority bills cross the finish line
From early committee hearings through the fast-paced end-of-session sprint, IBEW 1245 members and leaders put in the work to make sure lawmakers understood the real-world impact of these bills. Our delegation met face-to-face with legislators, testified in hearings, tracked last-minute amendments, and worked the phones to keep these measures moving.
Members meeting with California Assemblymember Liz Ortega at the Capitol during the final days of the legislative session.
“This was a critical year for our members and the communities we serve,” said Bob Dean, IBEW 1245 Business Manager. “We fought to strengthen the Wildfire Fund, advance safety, and build a more reliable and affordable grid, and we delivered. These are real wins that will create more work for our members and protect Californians.”
“End of session is a test of preparation, relationships, and discipline. Our members and leaders stayed focused on what matters…safety, reliability, and jobs,” said Hunter Stern, Assistant Business Manager. “These bills provide billions in funding for work performed by1245 members and the IBEW as a whole. A great finish!”
Additionally, the Governor has signed a Carbon Dioxide Pipeline bill (SB 614 – Stern) that legalizes the transmission of carbon dioxide in pipelines throughout California. This could allow alternative use of the natural gas pipeline system. Governor Newsom also signed SB 840 – Limon that specifies set future contributions rates to California investment in greenhouse gas reduction work.