Measure GG Is an Unsustainable Tax That Hurts Berkeley's Nonprofits, Renters and Small Businesses
Berkeley’s nonprofits and small businesses are eager to fight climate change by transitioning off natural gas. But Measure GG is a dramatic, unsustainable tax that hurts hundreds of Berkeley nonprofits, small businesses and renters by nearly tripling natural gas costs almost immediately–costing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands a year. For many, it could be years before it’s possible to transition, and this measure does nothing to help in the meantime. In fact, it just hurts.
- Hurts nonprofits most: Many impacted nonprofits have community programs that benefit low-income residents and seniors.
- Hurts vulnerable renters: The City’s own report says Measure GG could cause tenant “displacement” or “higher rental costs.”
- Puts small businesses like Berkeley Bowl in jeopardy: The City's report said GG could force small businesses still recovering from the pandemic “out of business completely.”
- Hurts healthcare providers with an unaffordable tax: This could lead to difficult decisions about staffing and resources, and could impact patient care at Berkeley medical facilities like Alta Bates Summit.
- Exposes the city to costly lawsuits: GG's proponents aren’t even sure it’s legal. That’s not a gamble we should take when GG could lead to millions in lawsuits–funding that could be better spent on effective climate action.
