"The overhaul that Newsom and top lawmakers negotiated in the final days of the legislative session amid heavy lobbying last week reflects urgency in the Democratic Party to preserve its climate goals while simultaneously reining in the surging gas and energy costs that have threatened to drive voters to the right. Lawmakers opened the session this year declaring a focus on making California more affordable, following a bruising national election for Democrats."
"But after two years declaring special sessions targeting the oil and gas industry, Newsom began to warm up to them as oil refineries announced closures that could send gas prices spiking. As a result, one of the bills he signed Friday would boost domestic oil production in Kern County by approving a long-delayed environmental impact report for new wells. "We have to effectively transition," Newsom said at an event in San Francisco."
California enacted a comprehensive energy and climate package that extends the cap-and-trade greenhouse gas program, permits expanded oil production, and authorizes steps toward a Western regional electricity market. The cap-and-trade extension largely preserves the existing program and continues to fund state climate initiatives. The package responds to rising gas and energy costs, refinery closures, and political pressure to improve affordability while maintaining emissions targets. One bill clears a long-delayed environmental impact report to boost oil well development in Kern County. Policymakers framed the measures as pragmatic steps to transition energy systems without undue disruption to communities and consumers.
Read at San Jose Inside
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