Climate action

A federal judge on Monday struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking wind energy projects, saying the effort to halt virtually all leasing of wind farms on federal lands and waters was “arbitrary and capricious” and violates U.S. law. Oregon and California were among the parties seeking the ruling.

Oregon’s EV footprint has been steadily increasing, with more than 126,000 registered electric vehicles in the state as of August. But public charging ports have struggled to keep up.

A California program created to help residents buy electric bikes has been canceled, leaving advocates questioning why it ended so suddenly.

The nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon is encouraging residents to invest in heating and cooling pumps, solar panels, before federal money goes away.

California state officials are in Brazil for the annual United Nations climate conference. The visit highlights California’s role as a climate leader and supports its environmental policies, especially since the U.S. has no official federal delegation. However, some critics question whether the trip is worthwhile because California lacks the power to make international agreements.

Legal experts, including a former federal official and UCLA professor, say California could go it alone if the federal government stops regulating greenhouse gases. One reason to try is to protect the state’s clean-car economy.

A boom in data centers and the end of federal vehicle emissions standards means Oregon will fail to meet its 2035 greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal by two years, according to an analysis completed this month. But state officials pushing to drastically cut carbon emissions say it’s not too late to get back on track.

Gov. Tina Kotek’s executive order could fast-track renewable energy projects permits to meet July 4 deadline.

After weeks of tense and messy negotiations, California’s legislative leaders finally released several proposals that range from expanding domestic crude oil production to lowering electricity rates. But the biggest barrier was the reauthorization of the state’s cap and trade program.

California lawmakers are rushing to extend the state’s landmark cap-and-trade climate program through 2045 amid opposition from unions and industry.

California has reached an agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration to protect $4 billion in federal funding for its high-speed rail project while a lawsuit over the money plays out in court. These funds are now held in a legal trust, ensuring they cannot be redirected until the lawsuit concludes.

Oregon lawmakers have passed a pair of bills to enable “microgrids” within the larger power system.