Dear Assemblymember McKinnor and Senator Durazo 

We, the undersigned organizations, urge the California Legislature to allocate $110 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) in the FY2025-2026 budget to support critical post-fire rebuilding through two critical programs: the RISE Homes Program and the LADWP all-electric rebuild incentive program. This funding will enable homeowners to rebuild all-electric, resilient, and insurable homes following the devastating wildfires that impacted the greater Los Angeles region. Among our organizations are those directly representing families and victims of these fires. 

The recent Palisades and Eaton fires caused estimated financial damages between $150 and $250 billion, destroyed over 10,000 homes, and displaced thousands of families. As we move into the rebuilding phase, we must prioritize the construction of S.A.F.E. homes - Secure, Affordable, Fast, and Electric - to ensure community safety and fire resilience. In Los Angeles, all-electric homes cost $3,000 to $10,000 less and are faster to build than mixed-fuel homes, while offering improved health, reduced fire risk, and lower utility bills.

The proposed $110 million allocation would also complement Mayor Karen Bass's request for $40 million in funding to support electric  appliances and upgrades like heat pumps, induction cooktops, and battery storage - technologies that enhance reliability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All-electric homes are safer, more insurable, and more energy-efficient, delivering long-term savings for residents. Aligning state and local efforts will maximize the effectiveness of public investments and ensure a unified response to disaster recovery.

We propose that this $110 million allocation be directed to expand two key rebuilding incentive programs: the RISE Homes Program and a forthcoming LADWP-administered program.

The RISE Homes Program, administered statewide by the CPUC, SoCal Edison, and ICF, provides $10,000–$15,000 incentives and comprehensive technical assistance for all-electric rebuilding. Originally developed for recovery from the Sonoma, Paradise, and Malibu fires, it currently has a $50 million allocation, much of which is already committed to Woolsey Fire survivors. With an infusion of additional funds, RISE could support homeowners in IOU-served areas including Altadena recovering from the LA fires. The CPUC also has authority to expedite RISE fund increases in emergencies.

For residents of the City of Los Angeles, who are not eligible for IOU-funded RISE support, a new LADWP program modeled on RISE is in development following Mayor Bass’s executive directive. This program will launch in Q3 2025, offering equivalent incentives and support for homeowners in LADWP territory, starting with the Palisades.

Together, these programs form a coordinated and equitable statewide response to wildfire recovery. The proposed funding will accelerate rebuilding, reduce emissions, and strengthen resilience for communities across utility boundaries.

Given the urgency facing fire-impacted families, we request that this funding be statutorily allocated to program administrators by September 2025. As debris removal concludes and families begin to plan their rebuilds, programs like RISE and LADWP’s initiative need financial resources now to provide timely assistance and support. An ask of $110 million mirrors the recommendations of the LA Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire-Safe Recovery, and could serve approximately 9600 impacted households in the LA region.

We respectfully request your support for the $110 million GGRF allocation to the RISE Program and LADWP all-electric rebuild programs. This investment is essential to ensure a safe, equitable, and climate-resilient recovery for Los Angeles families.

Thank you for your leadership and urgent attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,