Energy

Environment

California green lights carbon capture pipelines

Tammy Murga

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that lifts a ban on carbon pipelines and directs the State Fire Marshal to develop safety standards.
Economy

SDG&E customers to receive credit off power bill thanks to state program

City News Service

A California Climate Credit program will give San Diego Gas & Electric customers an $81.38 credit on their energy bill in October.
Environment

Newsom taps climate ‘architect’ to lead California air board as Trump fights heat up

Alejandro Lazo

At the state’s top air regulator, Lauren Sanchez will replace Liane Randolph, taking the helm as California battles Trump, rising costs, and the future of its climate agenda.
Environment

When lithium mining starts, who benefits, and who’s at risk? Inside this Salton Sea case

Deborah Brennan

Two nonprofits filed arguments with the Fourth District Court of Appeal last week, asking the court to reconsider a claim they filed in 2024 that the environmental impact report for the Hell’s Kitchen lithium mine near the Salton Sea neglects potential problems with air quality, water use, hazardous materials and tribal cultural resources.
Politics

California pauses landmark oil profit penalty in bid to stabilize fuel supply

Sophie Austin

The move comes as the state is contending with how to advance its climate goals while ensuring a stable and affordable fuel supply.
Quality of Life

California has a fallback plan for Trump’s clean car attacks. Does it go far enough?

Alejandro Lazo and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

Amid a legal fight over California’s power to regulate car and truck pollution, state agencies are suggesting policies that need stable funding, legislative action, or lengthy rulemaking.
Environment

Gavin Newsom warms to Big Oil in climate reversal

Alexei Koseff, Alejandro Lazo and Maya C. Miller

After years of cracking down on California’s oil industry, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats are moving to get Kern County wells pumping again to avoid soaring gasoline prices.
Environment

California cut coal from its energy supply. Why it might plug back into fossil fuels

Alejandro Lazo and Jeanne Kuang

For years, California refused to create a Western mega energy market over concerns about fossil fuels and union jobs. But now, the idea is closer than ever.
Environment

California’s wind and solar projects face new federal hurdles

Alejandro Lazo

Clean-energy projects have new deadlines for federal tax credits and limits on foreign parts, taking aim at California’s climate agenda. Eleven major solar projects and one onshore wind project now face potential delays or cancellation.
Environment

EPA announces settlement over cleanup of 2024 Otay Mesa battery facility fire

City News Service

The settlement with Gateway Energy Storage concerns cleanup efforts in connection with the lithium-ion battery fire that broke out on May 15, 2024, and lasted nearly two weeks due to flare-ups at the site.