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Environmental advocates are asking California's next state budget to prioritize climate mitigation and cut tax breaks for fossil fuel companies. (The Climate Center)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

As state budget negotiations continue, groups fighting climate change are asking California lawmakers to cut subsidies for oil and gas companies …

Protesters rallied in San Diego in 2012 against trade agreements that allow corporations to sue for future profits when governments deny permits. (Arthur Stamoulis/Trade Justice Education Fund)<br />

Climate activists call on U.S. company to halt trade lawsuit over LNG

Environmental activists are rallying today in Sunnyvale, asking the American company Ruby River Capital to drop a lawsuit the protesters called "a …

Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego celebrates a bilingual Mass for Earth Week at St. James Church in Solana Beach, California, April 17, 2021. (CNS/The Southern Cross/John Gastaldo)

San Diego Catholic Diocese divests from fossil fuels

By Brian Roewe for Earthbeat.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service …

An estimated 3 million Californians live within 3,200 feet of an oil or gas well. (MSPhotographic/Adobestock)

CA referendum would lift ban on new oil wells near homes

A referendum on the ballot this fall gives California voters the chance to either uphold or reject a law which would require oil and gas wells to be s…

New EPA rules on vehicle emissions aim to save drivers money through reduced fuel and maintenance costs of electric and hybrid vehicles. (Tongpatong/Adobestock)

Environmental advocates cheer new EPA clean-car rules

Clean-air groups are calling the Biden administration's new rules on vehicle pollution the single biggest action the Environmental Protection Agency h…

A proposal before the California Air Resources Board would allow fossil fuel producers in California to buy credits from factory farms that use anaerobic digesters like these to extract methane from animal waste. (Rob Thomas/Adobe Stock)

Midwest community activists slam proposed CA emissions incentives

Community groups in the Midwest are worried a change in California carbon emissions policy could hurt quality of life in the nation's heartland…

Protests in favor of sending U.S. aid to Ukraine are planned across the country on Saturday to mark two years since the conflict began. (Igor Tregub)

Rallies across CA, U.S. planned for anniversary of Ukraine invasion

Pro-Ukraine rallies are planned in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco as well as cities across the United States this weekend, marking the …

California is streamlining the permitting process for floating offshore wind turbines. (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

CA offshore wind projects picking up steam

The California Energy Commission has just released its strategic plan for offshore wind, and more than 200 elected officials across the state have …

The California Public Utilities Commission rejected a plan by So Cal Edison to help consumers buy new appliances, like electric heat pumps, arguing current state and federal programs are sufficient. (Arnt Brandseth/Wikimedia Commons)

CA Public Utilities Commission rejects electrification plan, draws criticism

The California Public Utilities Commission rejected Southern California Edison's plan to help families trade in their gas appliances for electric…

The Environmental Protection Agency estimated between 2024 and 2038, its new methane rule will save enough gas to heat nearly 8 million homes for the winter. (Carsten Reisinger/Adobestock)

New rules to reduce methane emissions aim to fight climate change

Groups fighting climate change are praising the Environmental Protection Agency's new rules, which aim to reduce the amount of methane leaked into …

The Environmental Protection Agency is working on rules that will incentivize the transition to heavy-duty electric vehicles. (VanderWolf Images/Adobestock)

Lawmakers, advocates press EPA for strict emissions rule for heavy-duty trucks

As the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai wraps up, Democratic lawmakers and clean-air advocates are calling on the Environmental …

Researchers are looking into whether reflective white paint on asphalt could reduce surface temperatures and thus reduce suffering in areas that host people experiencing homelessness. (Renee C. Byer/Sacramento Bee)

Can white paint be a part of the solution to combat climate change?

A new super-white paint in development may be a tool in the fight against climate change. Researchers at Purdue University are hoping to bring to …

Students in Porterville, Calif., work on a project as part of the green curriculum offered via a partnership with the nonprofit Climate Action Pathways for Schools. (CAPS)

CA high schools offer credit for climate action

By Anya Kamenetz for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration …

A landscaper learns about the capabilities and benefits of electric blowers. (American Green Zone Alliance)

Experts: Upcoming CA gas-blower ban requires money, education, tolerance

Starting January 1st, California's ban on the sale of new gas-powered mowers and blowers will go into effect; and experts say the transition will …

Funding for climate-friendly programs, including urban greening projects, is available via the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law. (Ukasz/Adobestock). <br />

Climate change groups urge CA to prioritize nature-based solutions

Conservation advocates are pressing the state to set ambitious targets for nature-based climate solutions this week. The California Natural …

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates its proposed standards would remove nearly 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions through 2055. (D. Jakli/Adobestock)

Climate change advocates press EPA to enact clean-car standards

Local officials concerned about climate change are speaking out, urging the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize its proposed clean-car …

Deadline nears in CA, U.S., for climate proposals under 'green bank' initiative

Cities and nonprofits are racing to finish their applications for the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund - the deadline is October 12…

An artist's rendering of the proposed Pier Wind manufacturing platform in Long Beach shows how the floating facility would appear from the water. (Port of Long Beach)

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

In the waning days of the legislative session in Sacramento, climate change groups are promoting two bills which would smooth the way for offshore …

The Climate Careers program with the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity in Oakland employs young adults to help families improve their home's energy efficiency. (Rising Sun Center for Opportunity)

Green Jobs in CA Projected to Rise 7%

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Col…

Private investment in clean technology like hydrogen, carbon capture and energy storage has increased between 50 and 200 percent from initial estimates, according to the Brookings Institution and the Rhodium group. (Rufous/Adobestock)

Assessing Climate Investments On 1st Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

The Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act turns one year old today, directing $370 billion to clean energy efforts through tax incentives…

California will use funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to train contractors to install and maintain electric appliances and conduct energy efficiency audits. (Napa74/Adobestock)

CA to Get $582 Million to Make Homes More Energy Efficient

Starting next year, low and middle-income families in California are expected to be able to apply for up to $14,000 in grants and rebates to make …

The Route Zero Relay kicked off at the Santa Monica Pier and traveled across the country on Route 66. (RtZero.org)

Deadline Today for Public Comment on Vehicle Emissions Standards

Today is the last day to put in your two cents on proposed vehicle emissions standards from the Environmental Protection Agency. The new rules would …

El Route Zero Relay arranc� en el muelle de Santa M�nica y recorri� el pa�s por la Ruta 66. (RtZero.org)

Finaliza hoy fecha límite para comentarios públicos sobre normas de emisiones de vehículos

Hoy es el último día para expresar su opinión sobre las normas de emisiones de vehículos propuestas por la E-P-A. Las nuevas …

Trees being clear-cut in a forest near Tuckahoe, North Carolina, for use in wood pellet production. (TV2 Denmark)

Hearing Tomorrow on Proposal to Build CA's First Large Wood Pellet Plants

Conservation groups are encouraging people to speak out at a virtual hearing tomorrow on two proposed wood pellet plants. They would be among the …

The Scattergood Generating Station's iconic red-and-white emissions stacks will be obsolete when it adds a hydrogen-burning unit in 2029. (Caleigh Wells)

LA’s Controversial Plan to Switch Gas Plant to Hydrogen

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

Jennifer McLelland's son James gives a thumbs-up as his ventilator equipment continues to run, thanks to a portable power station used during a recent power outage. (Jennifer McLelland)

Groups Call for Expanding Power Outage Battery-Backup Program

By Jennifer McLelland for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News …

The Los Angeles City Council recently voted to allow the Department of Water and Power to convert Scattergood Power Plant near Playa del Rey to burn a blend of hydrogen gas and natural gas, something environmental groups say would create air pollution. (Facewizard/Wikimedia Commons)

California Readies Application to Become a Hydrogen Hub

Environmental groups are seeking greater input as California puts the finishing touches on its application to become a hub for hydrogen fuel productio…

More than 500 elected officials have signed a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom in favor of a bill to establish accountability for price-gouging at California gas pumps. (Misunseo)

CA Bill to Fight Gas Price-Gouging Expected to Pass Today

A bill designed to fight price-gouging at the gas pump is expected to pass the California State Assembly today and be signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom …

Sky-high gas prices hit California drivers in the spring, summer and fall of 2022, before retreating to more normal levels in winter, after the midterm elections. (QuietWord/Adobe Stock)

Hearing Today on CA Gas Price-Gouging Bill

California lawmakers hold a hearing in Sacramento today on a bill to hold oil companies and gasoline refiners accountable for alleged price gouging…

Elected Officials to Protect America estimates that it will cost 200 billion dollars over the next ten years to rebuild Ukraine's energy infrastructure once the war ends. (Misu/Adobestock)

Ukraine Clean-Energy Plan Emerges as War Starts Year 2

As the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine war approaches, climate activists are making plans to rebuild Ukraine with clean energy once the war is …

Almost 3 million people live within 3,200 feet of an operational oil well in California. (Last Chance Alliance)

Groups Mobilize to Defend Ban on New Oil and Gas Wells Near Homes

Supporters of a California law to ban oil and gas drilling within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites like homes and schools are gearing up to fight a new b…

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to find out whether anti-competitive behavior in the fossil-fuel industry may have spiked natural gas prices in the Western U.S this winter. (Proxima Studio/Adobe Stock)

CA Public Utilities Commission Probes Gas Price Spike

Gas bills jumped by hundreds of dollars over the past few months for many Californians - and on Tuesday, the California Public Utilities Commission …

The new State Natural Resources Building in Sacramento earned the Platinum LEED Certification in 2022. (CA Natural Resources Agency)

California 4th in Nation for Green Buildings

California ranked fourth in the nation for green buildings for 2022 and has made the top 10 states for the tenth year in a row. The U.S. Green …

The pilot project in Turlock will test a variety of canal widths and solar panel types. (Solar Aquagrid)

Solar Panels Planned on Aqueduct to Save Power and Energy

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

This offshore floating wind turbine was the first of its kind in the country to provide power to the grid. (University of Maine)

Offshore Wind Leases Kick Off Race to Build Renewable Energy of the Future

California's first-ever auction for offshore wind leases just brought in more than $757 million in bids. The Department of the Interior announced …

Climate activists held a press conference at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Monday. (A. Tamunan/Greenpeace)

Local Officials Praise Move to Stop Gas-Price Gouging

Governor Gavin Newsom convened a special session of the Legislature on Monday to consider his newly unveiled proposal to cap excess oil and gas profit…

A new report calls on utilities to aggressively build out renewable-energy resources and abandon plans to build gas plants in order to reach the country's climate goals. (Agnormark/Adobestock)

New Report Details 'Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges'

A new report from the Sierra Club called "The Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges" finds that dozens of utility companies across the U.S…

The Biden administration is working on new nationwide regulations for methane gas emissions from oil and gas sites. (Leonid Ikan/Adobe Stock)

Report: 40% of Regional Methane Pollution Linked to "Super Emitters"

A relatively small number of so-called "super emitters" are responsible for 40% of the methane emissions in oil and gas hotspots such as California's …

Critics of a draft proposal to expedite the permitting process for energy projects say it would open up more oil and gas drilling on public lands, on and offshore, running counter to the nation's efforts to curb climate change. (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management/Flickr)

Elected Officials Condemn Proposal to Fast-Track Energy Permits

Local officials concerned about climate change are urging Democrats to scuttle a deal reached with Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to pass a bill to fast-…

Multi-billion-dollar companies like Chevron, which owns this refinery in El Segundo, would have to track and make public their carbon emissions if SB 260 becomes law. (Pedro Szekely/Flickr)

Vote Coming on Bill to Make Big Companies Disclose Carbon Emissions

A big floor vote in the State Assembly is expected this week or early next on a bill that would require mega-corporations that do business in Californ…

The Yurok Tribe hopes that money from the Inflation Reduction Act will allow a big expansion of its forest restoration programs, like this one along the Trinity River in northern California. (Matt Mais/Yurok Tribe).

CA Groups, Tribes Praise New Bill, Call for Climate Emergency Declaration

As President Joe Biden gets ready to sign the Inflation Reduction Act into law, California conservation groups are hailing it as the country's …

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's model of the beach view of the proposed floating wind turbines in Morro Bay projects that they would be indistinguishable on the horizon. (BOEM)

Offshore-Wind Backers Press State to Stop Issuing Fossil-Fuel Permits

Local elected officials are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to halt all permitting for future oil and gas projects, in light of recent progress with …

On Memorial Day, advocates caution that the pursuit of fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil has led to many wars. (Valerii/Adobestock)

On Memorial Day, Veterans Say Battling Climate Change is Key

This Memorial Day, state and local leaders are speaking out - calling climate change the battle of our time - crucial to national security. …

The massive Dixie Fire is one of many to ravage the Golden State in recent years. Climate advocates want more funds in the budget for smoke warning systems and community readiness. (Gajendra/Adobestock)

Advocates Press for CA Climate-Change Budget

The May revision of Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget is due at the end of this week, so conservation groups are speaking out, calling for what they call a …

The California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) is responsible for plugging aging, abandoned oil wells. (California Department of Conservation)

Feds, State to Spend Hundreds of Millions to Plug 'Orphan' Oil Wells

Big money is on the way to supercharge California's efforts to plug so-called orphan oil wells, which pollute the environment but have no legal owner…

Climate advocates, seen here last year in Sacramento, want California to halt all oil and gas drilling, as a step toward a future that is free of fossil fuels. (Last Chance Alliance)

Groups Press for Drilling Ban to Weaken Power of Petro-states

Climate activists are calling for a rapid shift away from oil and gas, as a way to reduce world dependence on the fossil fuels that prop up the …

The last seven years have been the hottest on record, according to Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service, leading to extended drought in the western states. (Anatoly Vartanov/Adobe Stock)

A Valentine Wish: Can Feds Pledge their Love...to the Earth?

This Valentine's Day, climate advocates want policymakers to show the planet some love. More than 450 local lawmakers from the nonprofit group …

Researcher Eric Lebel samples methane from a gas-powered range. (Rob Jackson)

Study: Gas Stoves Leak Methane, Even When Off

Gas stoves in home kitchens are leaking a lot more methane gas than previously known, which has implications for the fight against climate change…

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CA: Energy Policy