Energy

Commentary

California’s proposed zero-emission trucking rules ignore years of industry concerns

California's air quality regulator is poised to adopt a zero-emission truck mandate that some believe downplays concerns over electric vehicle infrastructure and could erase working-class jobs.

By Guest Commentary • October 26, 2022

WhatMatters

Will Californians get even more gas rebates?

As California gas prices approach record highs — though costs could soon drop by as much as $1 per gallon — there’s “9.5 billion reasons I think people should be appreciative that the state’s recognizing the stress and strain that families are going through,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday. The governor’s comments — made during […]

By Emily Hoeven • October 7, 2022

WhatMatters

Fight escalates between Newsom, oil industry

Gov. Gavin Newsom hadn’t even finished dispensing with all of the bills on his desk ahead of Friday’s midnight deadline before he issued a call for new legislation. “We’re not going to stand by while greedy oil companies fleece Californians,” the governor said in a stern Twitter video, citing a lopsided surge in gas prices […]

By Emily Hoeven • October 3, 2022

WhatMatters

As gas prices soar, state on brink of sending rebates

Remember when Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers struck a deal a couple of months ago to send millions of California taxpayers between $200 and $1,050 to help cover the rising cost of living? Well, a week from today, the state is set to begin depositing the first round of payments in Californians’ bank accounts. […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 30, 2022

Environment

Big change for big rigs: California unveils mandate to phase out diesel trucks

In another worldwide first, California's proposal would require new trucks to be zero-emissions in 2040. Large companies would gradually convert fleets. Truckers worry about the costs and practicality of electric trucks.

By Nadia Lopez • September 15, 2022

Commentary

Skilled labor will be essential for a greener California

Thanks to strategic federal investments, rapid technological innovation and falling costs, hydrogen is poised to be significant to our state’s energy future and in the lives of today’s and the next generation of union energy workers.

By Guest Commentary • September 9, 2022

Environment

Facing criticism, state amps up its climate change blueprint

New initiatives have been added to California’s draft scoping plan, including climate-friendly homes, offshore wind and cleaner airplane fuels.

By Nadia Lopez • September 9, 2022

WhatMatters

Blackouts loom as record heat wave blankets California

California teetered on the edge of rolling blackouts Tuesday, as the state entered the most sweltering stretch of a heat wave that Gov. Gavin Newsom described in a video message as “the hottest and the longest on record for this state and many parts of the West for the month of September.” As high-temperature records […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 7, 2022

WhatMatters

A do-or-die day for California’s power grid

Today, California’s power grid is poised to face its biggest test of the summer so far as a record-setting heat wave continues to boil the drought-parched, fire-stricken state. As residents crank up their air conditioners to deal with yet another day of triple-digit temperatures, peak demand could shoot past 51,000 megawatts — surpassing the record […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 6, 2022

WhatMatters

Can California keep lights on over Labor Day?

Note: Due to the holiday weekend, the newsletter will pause until Tuesday. Californians’ energy conservation efforts and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency proclamation freeing up additional supplies helped the state avoid a Wednesday shortfall that could have resulted in rolling blackouts as an extreme heat wave strained the electric grid, California’s Independent System Operator said Thursday. […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 2, 2022