Energy

Environment

‘A massive enterprise’: California’s offshore wind farms are on a fast track

Ocean wind farms are essential to electrify California's grid with 100% clean energy. But they’re a giant, costly experiment — no one knows how hundreds of towering turbines will transform the remote North Coast.

By Julie Cart • October 16, 2023

Environment

‘Another attempt to industrialize the coast’: California’s Central Coast residents try to halt offshore wind

Massive ocean wind farms off Morro Bay and Santa Barbara County — which could transform these quiet coastal towns and affect marine life — face a turbulent path.

By Julie Cart • October 16, 2023

WhatMatters

Will California’s experiment in wind power work?

From CalMatters environment reporter Julie Cart:  Ocean waters off California’s coast are being prepared to host a massive experiment, floating beyond the continental shelf: Platforms with giant turbines and spinning rotors will capture the Pacific Ocean’s prodigious wind energy. Hundreds of square miles of the ocean about 20 miles off the coasts of Humboldt County […]

By Lynn La • October 16, 2023

Housing

As rooftop solar debate flares, builders, landlords and renter advocates are taking sides

The California Public Utilities Commission is considering a rule that would gut the payments that solar panels on apartment buildings receive. Why are so many housing groups mad about it?

By Ben Christopher • October 6, 2023

WhatMatters

Dianne Feinstein remembered as political icon, but also with personal stories

A California political who’s who gathered Thursday to honor Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose unexpected death last week could reshape next year’s election. Members of Congress — including Reps. Barbara Lee and Adam Schiff, who are running to succeed Feinstein — flew from Washington, D.C., with Vice President Kamala Harris on Air Force Two to be […]

By Lynn La • October 6, 2023

Environment

The world’s largest dam demolition has begun. Can the dammed Klamath River finally find salvation?

As four aging hydroelectric dams are demolished, tribes and communities along the Klamath River wait anxiously to see what the future holds. “Once a river is dammed, is it damned forever?” experts ask.

By Rachel Becker • August 31, 2023

Commentary

California is addicted to Aliso Canyon natural gas. New power lines could break the habit

California continues to rely on Aliso Canyon's natural gas to stabilize the power grid. Utility regulators should instead be looking to transmission line projects that link Southern California to planned solar and wind farms, helping reduce the state's dependence on gas.

By Guest Commentary • August 31, 2023

Reader Reactions

California needs every transportation option to meet climate goals – including hydrogen

California's lack of hydrogen fuel infrastructure is restricting its ability to become a legitimate alternative, and the state needs every transportation option to meet its climate goals, argues a hydrogen vehicle owner

By Gregg Fishman • August 25, 2023

Commentary

Risks for adding hydrogen energy to California gas systems are not worth the limited reward

Hydrogen is touted as a solution for helping address California's energy and climate crises. However, a hydrogen economy would involve serious risks, and may not actually help the climate.

By Guest Commentary • August 25, 2023

Environment

Hardly anyone owns a hydrogen car. California may pay up to $300 million for fuel stations anyway

With only 12,000 hydrogen cars on the road, and just two models for sale, California lawmakers are debating how much state money should support them.

By Alejandro Lazo • August 18, 2023