Energy

The governor's plan irritated legislators who objected to the last-minute brokering of the deal and its reliance on fossil fuels to keep the lights on.

An outsized source of greenhouse gases, California cement companies are trying creative climate solutions to meet mandates. But they are seeking state help.

Environmentalists and clean-energy experts say Newsom is pushing to give the Energy Commission sole control over siting of energy plants, usurping local control. The deal also would prolong the life of natural gas plants.

Hundreds of people lined up today to voice concerns about California’s sweeping new climate strategy at a public hearing. Without massive investments in clean energy, air board officials warned that more fossil fuels will be needed to power electric cars and ensure a reliable power grid.

Our state will need Diablo Canyon’s electrical generation to keep the lights on, and Gov. Gavin Newsom should be leading the charge to accomplish that.

Under the new scoping plan, California would almost eliminate oil and shift to renewable sources. But where’s the update on the controversial polluting-trading market known as cap and trade?

California’s electricity rates are high because of years of expensive decisions. New demand for environmentally beneficial electricity should not be saddled with those legacy costs.

Meeting climate goals while maintaining a reliable electric grid will require a range of strategies, abundant resources for research and development and political willpower.

California has invested heavily in switching away from gas-powered cars to meet its climate goals. Now Gov. Newsom has proposed sending out checks to car owners to help with the price of gas. That move wouldn’t necessarily prop up demand for gas — economists say people may use the money to buy other things.

Two bills will tackle transmission issues for clean energy and give us a chance to build our way out of the climate crisis.