Energy

Two white and red oil pumps next to each other on a small dirt hill overlooking several farming fields in the distance.

Climate Change

First California project to bury climate-warming gases wins key approval

Capturing and storing carbon underground is a big part of California’s efforts to tackle climate change but community members and environmentalists say it prolongs the life of fossil fuels.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• October 21, 2024

Building structures stand behind a chain-linked fence with barbed wire. Three signs are affixed to the fence. Two of the signs are yellow and warn of radioactive material, and the third, in black, white and red, warns of danger and a hazardous waste area.

Commentary

Californians must step up pressure to ensure a full cleanup of toxic Santa Susana lab

A plan by California regulators overseeing the long-delayed cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory fails to fully address soil contamination. Advocates hope residents take notice and ramp up public pressure while there's still time.

By Shawn Rostker • October 21, 2024

Four people sit at a panel table in front of microphones, speaking to an audience during a hearing.

Commentary

What’s behind all the political theater over California’s high gasoline prices?

Despite such high prices, gasoline is still a relatively small segment of what it costs to live in California. Nevertheless, gas prices command an inordinately high level of public attention as a symbol of anxiety about living costs in general, and therefore are ripe for political exploitation.

By

Dan Walters

• October 15, 2024

Oil well pumps in the foreground among residential and commercial buildings with a backdrop of the Long Beach skyline in the background.

Environment

Legislature delays oil well monitoring by more than 3 years, restores funding

California oil companies will have until July, 2030 to monitor wells near homes and schools for leaks into air and water. The decision came after last-minute negotiations.

By

Julie Cart

• August 31, 2024

Environment

Last-minute plan to help Californians with electric bills fails

The author pulled the Assembly utility bill from consideration a day before the Legislature’s deadline.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• August 30, 2024

A consumer's PG&E bill from October, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Environment

A stunt or first step? Inside California’s last-minute effort to cut electric bills and streamline clean energy

Consumers would get a small credit on electric bills if the legislation passes. Solar companies say the energy measures might not be effective in streamlining projects.

By

Alejandro Lazo

,

Julie Cart

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• August 30, 2024

Gas prices at a filling station in west Fresno on May 7, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

As inflation keeps hitting pocketbooks, California politicians scramble to respond

Inflation keeps biting Californians, and politicians at the federal and state level are scrambling to align themselves with the angst that voters feel.

By

Dan Walters

• August 22, 2024

Rows of solar panels as the sunsets above the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 27, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Climate Change

California hits milestones toward 100% clean energy — but has a long way to go

Fossil fuels are still a large source of electricity, but California has made progress with renewables while keeping the lights on.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• August 19, 2024

Commentary

California’s multibillion-dollar bet on hydrogen energy comes with major downsides

The billions of dollars being spent on hydrogen technologies in California must be used in a way that reduces emissions and doesn't harm vulnerable communities. Unfortunately, that's not happening.

By Ben Jealous • August 2, 2024

Solar panels face the sun in the Mojave desert on a clear sky day.

Environment

California lawmakers negotiating sweeping package to speed up solar, wind energy

Legislators and Gov. Newsom are working behind the scenes to draft energy legislation before the end-of-the-month deadline.

By

Alejandro Lazo

and

Julie Cart

• August 1, 2024