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Office of the California Governor websiteCalifornia 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. -
Shelby Knowles/CalMattersLegal 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.
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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. -
No immediate hike in California gas prices will occur but Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature fear the effects of the clean-fuel program. -
Oregon’s lone Republican Congressman, Cliff Bentz, represents more than 705,000 Oregonians — about 16% of the state’s population — who are likely to feel disproportionately the cuts in the Republican tax and spending bill currently being considered by the U.S. Senate and that passed the U.S. House in May. -
Oregon is looking for contractors to help kickstart a new heat pump incentive program, as part of the state’s ongoing push to reduce carbon emissions by supporting a move toward more efficient home heating and cooling systems. -
Environmental groups want to revive higher payments to panel owners. But the subsidies were unfair to non-solar ratepayers, regulators say. -
Oregonians looking to purchase or lease an electric vehicle can now apply for some cash back, as the state reopens its popular rebate program this week. -
Oregon and Washington are nowhere near achieving their clean energy goals. The dramatic consequences are already being felt.
