Energy

WhatMatters

Major votes intensify California climate controversies

If there’s one thing Thursday made clear, it’s that climate policy and controversy go hand in hand in California. Depending on whom you ask, the two major actions state regulators took Thursday are either indicative of California “leading the world’s most significant economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution” (as Gov. Gavin Newsom put it) or […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 16, 2022

Commentary

Why California’s revised proposal to reform rooftop solar program deserves support

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission will vote on a controversial reform of the state's rooftop solar program. The revised proposal strikes a necessary balance that protects consumers and still encourages solar adoption.

By Guest Commentary • December 13, 2022

Commentary

Black churches are embracing solar in California. Slashing subsidies will upend the transition

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission will vote on a controversial reform of the state's rooftop solar program. Opponents who want to preserve the subsidies argue that the revised proposal goes too far and will undercut the clean energy transition.

By Guest Commentary • December 13, 2022

Commentary

Revised proposal to reform California’s rooftop solar program doesn’t go far enough

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission will vote on a controversial reform of the state's rooftop solar program. Proponents who want to scale back subsidies and eliminate the "cost shift" on poorer households argue that the revised proposal doesn't go far enough.

By Guest Commentary • December 13, 2022

WhatMatters

Big tests ahead for new Legislature

Now comes the hard part. That was the main takeaway from Monday’s largely ceremonial flurry of activity in the state Capitol. Joined by their families, newly elected lawmakers were sworn into office after opening speeches that at times ventured into the metaphysical, with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon at one point comparing the challenge of political […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 6, 2022

Environment

First-ever California offshore wind auction nets $757 million

Several dozen companies competed for leases to build massive floating wind farms in deep ocean waters off Morro Bay and Humboldt County. The auction was the first major step toward producing offshore wind energy off the West Coast.

By Nadia Lopez • December 6, 2022

WhatMatters

Oil tax likely won’t be considered until January

When might Californians get more details about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to enact a windfall profits tax on oil companies, which newly elected state lawmakers are set to consider in a special legislative session beginning on Dec. 5? The specifics of the proposal aren’t likely to surface until the start of the special session, the […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 22, 2022

WhatMatters

Inside lawmakers’ climate trips to Egypt, Japan

Get ready for another raft of ambitious climate bills when California lawmakers return to Sacramento next month. A few days after the Nov. 8 election, bipartisan groups of more than a dozen state legislators — including some who have hit term limits and won’t be returning to the Legislature — embarked on international trips with a […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 16, 2022

Environment

California commission overhauls rooftop solar proposal

The CPUC’s scaled-back plan eliminates consumer fees. The original was abandoned after criticism from the governor and solar advocates that it could hurt the transition to renewable energy.

By Julie Cart • November 10, 2022

Commentary

How California can expand solar development and support San Joaquin Valley farmers

California can both achieve its long-term clean energy goals and invest in struggling San Joaquin Valley communities by expanding solar development on fallowed farmland.

By Guest Commentary • October 27, 2022