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.
solar
Environment
California sides with big utilities, trimming incentives for community solar projects
These community projects can give renters and low-income homeowners a chance to go solar, but the PUC's action is unlikely to give them the option.
Housing
A plan to change your utility rates is dividing California environmentalists. Here’s why
The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.
Climate Change
What’s happened since California cut home solar payments? Demand has plunged 80%Â
As rooftop solar projects have plummeted, about 17,000 workers could lose their jobs. Will this derail the state’s climate and clean energy goals?
Environment
California reduces payments for rooftop solar power — for second time in a year
The utilities commission reduced payments to apartments, schools and businesses selling solar power to the grid despite a barrage of criticism. Commissioners say it reverses unfair subsidies.
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?
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 […]
Commentary
The stakes for Newsom’s big plan to streamline big California projects
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to decarbonize California's economy but the California Environmental Quality Act is an impediment. So, he wants to streamline the law's application for big public works projects.
Commentary
How community solar could revolutionize clean energy access in California
A new law, Assembly Bill 2316, requires utility regulators to emphasize lower-income households when it assesses new community solar proposals, making clean energy more accessible and providing savings on energy bills. But regulators need to craft the new rules soon to capitalize on the billions of federal dollars becoming available.
WhatMatters
Major votes intensify California climate controversies
If there’s one thing Thursday made clear, it’s that climate policy and controversy go hand in hand in California. Depending on whom you ask, the two major actions state regulators took Thursday are either indicative of California “leading the world’s most significant economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution” (as Gov. Gavin Newsom put it) or […]