Energy

Environment

New California law requires environmental analysis before data centers can be built

Kori Suzuki

The legislation was spurred in part by a controversial project in Imperial County. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a slate of new data center laws on Monday.
Environment

$1.6 billion, 150-mile power line gets strong pushback from residents

John Carroll

SDG&E says it needs the Golden Pacific Powerlink to bring electricity from Imperial County and Arizona to its Southern California customers.
Environment

San Diego County Supervisors approve controversial solar and battery storage project in Boulevard

Jacob Aere

The project helps meet the county and state’s green energy goals, but the Boulevard community strongly opposed the project.
Quality of Life

‘Plug-in’ solar may provide rate relief for households that can’t get rooftop panels

Kevin Trevellyan

Last month, state lawmakers passed legislation formally clearing the way to install solar panel arrays that fit on a balcony or in a yard. The bill awaits the governor’s signature.
Environment

A haven to weather heat waves, air pollution and other climate risks opens in San Ysidro

Tammy Murga

Casa Familiar opens La Semilla Community Resiliency Center, a hub for residents during climate-related emergencies
Science & Technology

East County residents concerned about county’s plans for battery storage projects

Elaine Alfaro

Many communities in unincorporated East County bear the impacts of green energy projects like battery storage facilities. After years of hearing residents’ complaints, county staff produced a draft ordinance.
Science & Technology

Growing food and power on the same land: California researchers test agrivoltaics

As California farmers face worsening drought, extreme heat and rising costs, the state is racing to expand solar energy infrastructure.
Environment

Lake Powell hits record low, threatening key water and electricity supply for millions

The Associated Press

The water level at Lake Powell has fallen to a record low in another sign of crisis along the Colorado River. This alarming milestone, reached on Saturday, follows a record low set by Lake Mead. The two are the country's largest reservoirs and provide water and electricity for millions of people, as well as farms and wildlife.
Economy

‘Something’s got to be done’: Challenging SDG&E on ratepayers’ behalf

Kevin Trevellyan

SDG&E wants to raise monthly bills by 8.6% starting in 2028. A handful of groups are formally fighting the request during state regulatory proceedings.
Environment

Newsom makes last-minute push to help California utilities facing wildfire bills

Jeanne Kuang and Levi Sumagaysay

One of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s final political fights in California is a revival of an old one. As wildfire costs threaten utilities’ financial models, the governor wants to help them pay less for fires.