oil and gas

A person in a dark blue suit and tie sits in a white chair with arms outstretched, palms facing upward, while speaking at an event. The blurred backdrop behind them displays the words “Clinton Global Initiative” in white text.

Commentary

Newsom’s climate warrior image is backsliding, environmental groups say

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he's the opposite of President Donald Trump when it comes to climate change. But a letter by 40 groups says Newsom is abandoning key environmental policies.

By

Dan Walters

• September 26, 2025

A person with gray hair wearing a dark jacket and white shirt looks slightly past the camera with their mouth slightly open, set against a blurred background.

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.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Cayla Mihalovich

• September 19, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at an event in anticipation of signing a bill on his proposed profit penalty plan in Sacramento on March 28, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr. , CalMatters

Commentary

How Gavin Newsom channeled Jerry Brown 1.0 with his flip-flop on oil and gas

A year ago, Newsom was denouncing gasoline refiners for gouging consumers and pocketing huge profits. During the just-concluded legislative session, however, he and legislators acted to increase oil production in California. What happened?

By

Dan Walters

• September 18, 2025

Oil pumps around the Elk Hills Power Station along Elk Hills Road on March 29, 2024. The Elk Hills oil field is the site of the new carbon capture project that captures carbon emissions from oil and gas facilities and then injects them underground. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

Why fast-tracking oil drilling in California won’t lower prices at the pump

Lawmakers just enabled fast-tracking of new oil drilling permits in Kern County. Gas prices are mainly moved by other economic forces.

By Deborah Sivas • September 16, 2025

Gas prices in East Los Angeles on Sept. 29, 2023.

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.

By Michael Mische • September 16, 2025

The silhouette of a person as they walk through a hallway during a legislative hearing at a building near the state Capitol.

Politics

Will California extend cap and trade? Legislative negotiations go down to the wire

California lawmakers are rushing to extend the state’s landmark cap-and-trade climate program through 2045 amid opposition from unions and industry.

By

Maya C. Miller

• September 8, 2025

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.

By Victoria Rome • August 27, 2025

A gas price sign at a 76 gas station displays fuel prices for cash and credit/debit payments. Regular gasoline is $4.89 (cash) and $4.95 (credit), Plus is $4.99 and $5.05, Premium is $5.09 and $5.15, and Renewable Diesel #2 is $4.75 and $4.91. The sign is set against a background of a beige building, palm plant, and part of a tan pickup truck.

Climate Change

Controversial climate rule, which could raise gas prices, about to go into effect

No immediate hike in California gas prices will occur but Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature fear the effects of the clean-fuel program.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• June 30, 2025

A side view of a panel with nine speakers, including politicians and labor leaders, sit on stage during a “Unionize California” event, with one person standing and speaking into a microphone. A red, white, and blue light projection spells out "UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA" on the curtain behind them. The audience is seated at round tables in the foreground.

Commentary

Democratic candidates for California governor shy away from state’s anti-oil crusade

All of the Democratic contenders for California governor promised unions they would be less aggressive than Gov. Gavin Newsom has been with oil industry.

By

Dan Walters

• May 16, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom during a press conference where he signed new gun legislation into law at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on Sept. 26, 2023.

Commentary

Newsom reveals his weaknesses when he needs political hardball to get his way

Gov. Gavin Newsom says Donald Trump is a "bully," but he's no stranger to using bullying tactics himself, especially to force local governments to obey his commands.

By

Dan Walters

• May 14, 2025

Oil And Gas