Latinos make up nearly 40% of California’s population—yet state energy policies continue to overlook their needs. Rising gas and electricity costs are hitting Latino communities the hardest, worsening an already high poverty rate of 16.9%.

The cost of living in California isn’t built for Latinos—we’re being pushed out.

Energy Burdens
Latino households are twice as likely to experience energy insecurity—struggling to pay bills or facing shutoffs. Many pay higher energy costs despite lower incomes, often due to older, less efficient homes and weaker infrastructure.

California’s electricity costs are nearly double the national average, forcing families into impossible choices between basic needs like food and utilities.

Job Market Insecurity
California has lost one-third of its manufacturing jobs since 1990, driven in part by green energy policies. Latinos—who make up a large share of workers in these industries—are disproportionately affected. At the same time, California ranks among the worst states for creating well-paying jobs, making it harder for families to stay afloat.

Homeownership Out of Reach
Most Latinos want what everyone else does: safe neighborhoods, good schools, and proximity to jobs. But climate-driven housing regulations limit affordable single-family home construction, putting homeownership further out of reach. Only 45.9% of Hispanic households in California own homes, compared to 59.2% in Texas.

The Bottom Line
Latinos in California are paying more, earning less, and bearing the brunt of the state’s energy policies.

Enough is enough. It’s time for elected officials to prioritize affordability and equity.

Levanta Tu Voz.