Energy

Capitol

Power play: How California lawmakers are trying to navigate a changing energy landscape

Bills to manage California's power supply await the Legislature when it returns from July recess. At issue is the state's ability to provide electricity consistently, even when an unexpected demand or oversupply arises.

By Julie Cart • July 11, 2018

Environment

Ontario ready to pull out of carbon market, leaving California in limbo

California's cap-and-trade program is under threat by the withdrawal of Ontario from the bi-national carbon-trading market.

By Julie Cart • June 27, 2018

Commentary

Commentary: Hasty rooftop solar decree could backfire

The California Energy Commission has decreed that new homes must have rooftop solar power installations beginning in 2020. However, energy experts warn that the new rules were hastily drafted and could have adverse effects.

By Dan Walters • May 27, 2018

Environment

As California oil regulator seeks more money, legislators ask “Is this working?”

California’s oil and gas regulator has endured years of scolding from the Legislature for a lack of accountability, from environmentalists for allowing an industry to run roughshod over a state regulator, and from the federal Environmental Protection Agency for failing to enforce clean water laws. But the state’s oil watchdog is undertaking a comprehensive reform, officials say, that will radically change the agency’s culture and modernize a department with one foot in the last century.

By Julie Cart • February 28, 2018

Environment

Trump administration considering tearing up plan for the California desert

A Trump administration move to reconsider a historic agreement on use of California desert land is ostensibly about renewable energy production, but undoing the plan could also open up sensitive desert land to off-road recreation, mining and livestock grazing.

By Julie Cart • February 2, 2018

Climate Change

Lawmakers missed a ‘green’ opportunity; could consumers pay the price?

Delay of a plan for more renewable energy in California could carry a price tag for consumers.

By Julie Cart • September 26, 2017