Capitol
‘Mad Max’ in California? Energy crisis is avoidable
If we are serious about avoiding blackouts and continuing our progress toward an emission-free grid, we must expand nuclear and hydroelectric power.
Solar
Environment
Answers to 7 burning questions about California’s rolling blackouts
Why is the state suffering its first energy emergency in almost 20 years? Well, where do we start?
WhatMatters
The weekend: blackouts, lightning, fire tornado — and first shutoffs in 20 years
2020 just keeps getting better. As many as 2 million Californians experienced one-hour blackouts on Friday and Saturday nights as the state triggered rolling power outages for the first time in nearly two decades amid a record-breaking heat wave. The sky-high temperatures, paired with gusty winds and dry conditions, exacerbated fires across the state, contributed […]
California Wildfires
California’s looming wildfire threat requires a cleaner, more resilient electrical grid
California’s electrical grid is getting cleaner, but it is still not well positioned to deal with a changing climate with its web of decades-old poles and wires.
Environment
Regulators loosen California’s groundbreaking rule to require residential rooftop solar
California regulators eased off the state's groundbreaking new law requiring solar rooftops on most new homes, agreeing to allow developers to use a Sacramento utility's off-site solar installations instead.
WhatMatters
Graduation rates improve, a dicey Sanders endorsement, new evidence of growing divide
Graduation rates rise, but progress is uneven. Sanders defies party establishment with endorsement. Local GDP data shows growing inequality.
WhatMatters
Spending California’s surplus, how lobbying affected one consumer protection bill, and what came of Schwarzenegger’s Million Solar Roof goal
Assemblyman pushes for more aid for undocumented immigrants. Legislation to curb dental credit cards is watered down. UC looks at alternatives to SAT, ACT.
WhatMatters
Adam Schiff’s history with impeachment, as the Trump inquiry takes center stage
Schiff is no stranger to impeachment inquiries. Health concerns mount for firefighters. Mixed signals emerge from SCOTUS DACA hearing.
WhatMatters
Greenhouse gas emissions fall but not enough, when $25 million is not enough, and Kamala Harris’ Iowa run
California gets a mixed emissions report, prepares to battle Trump administration over endangered species, immigration, warning labels
Commentary
Storage is essential for California to achieve 100% green energy without blackouts
California can’t keep the lights on if we don’t have enough power available to meet demand at peak times, like in the evening when folks get home from work. The state has nowhere near enough storage to handle the thousands of megawatts of new renewable energy that will be coming down the pike.