Commentary
Newsom’s gas price crusade morphs into bid to keep refiners open
A study Gov. Gavin Newsom commissioned describes higher margins oil refiners receive for their products, which become gasoline.
Energy
Environment
LA’s oceanfront power plant is a test of clean-energy ambitions in the new Trump era
The Trump Administration pulled $1.2 billion from California's hydrogen hub. Even without federal funding, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is pressing ahead with clean energy retrofits.
Environment
California lawmakers wanted to get tough on data centers. Here’s what survived
Most plans to regulate data centers died in the state’s Legislature this year, despite a nationwide backlash. Two surviving bills aim to promote disclosure of energy and water use.
Environment
Newsom signs climate overhaul, extending cap and trade while boosting oil drilling
A set of laws Gov. Gavin Newsom signed today extends California clean-energy programs while taking steps to shore up oil and gas production. It also opens the door to a Western energy grid.
Commentary
California faces a self-created oil and gas crisis. Lawmakers should consider these steps next
Newsom’s long-overdue acknowledgement of a pending gasoline crisis — together with the Legislature’s last-minute actions — are a start, but also a piecemeal approach to addressing a critical problem.
Water
California may help solar bloom where water runs dry
The state's farmers are divided over a bill that would loosen rules protecting agricultural land. The goal of a bill proposed by Assembly Democrat Buffy Wicks is to seed solar farms on fallowed fields.
Climate Change
Why California backed down from forcing landlords to keep residents cool
Lawmakers will again fail to set a safe indoor temperature standard for housing, as builders and tenant advocates battle over the cost of retrofits.
Commentary
How California lawmakers can trim up to 20% off consumer electric bills
California legislators have a few more weeks to reform climate and gas credits to lower electricity bills and encourage electric vehicle use.
Commentary
California’s politicians overlook potential pitfalls in their zeal for new laws
Someone could — and should — write a book about the seemingly countless incidents of adverse consequences in the decrees issued by California legislators and governors.
Commentary
Newsom, lawmakers short on options to reduce California’s soaring electricity costs
Californians' power costs are among the nation's highest and could keep climbing. There’s precious little Newsom and legislators can do about it since they face chronic budget deficits.