Community Energy Resilience

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Climate legislation that passed (and died) in California this year

The 2026 California legislative session came to a close on August 31, and the legislation passed by our representatives is now awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature.  As a reminder, The Climate Center crafts, sponsors, and supports bold, ambitious climate legislation in three areas: phasing out polluting fuels, building community energy resilience, and drawing carbon out of … Read more

Categories Carbon Drawdown Community Energy Resilience Fossil Fuels Just Transition

2026 California Bidirectional Electric School Bus Policy Coalition Meeting

David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Suite 100, Berkeley, California 94704, Tamalpais Room

This event is by invite only. California has led the nation in electric school bus adoption, now home to nearly one-quarter of all electric school buses nationwide. However, without a unified strategy, California could miss opportunities to leverage these buses as grid resources to enhance the affordability, resilience, and reliability of the state’s electrical grid. … Read more

Resilient Communities, Resilient Grid: How Electric School Buses Can Help

This web meeting will summarize key findings from The Climate Center’s new white paper, “Resilient Communities, Resilient Grid: How Electric School Buses Can Help,” to be released in September. Attendees will learn how bidirectional electric school buses can make communities more resilient to climate disasters through vehicle-grid integration, and hear from leaders developing bidirectional electric … Read more

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Who should pay for catastrophic fires?

California has a wildfire problem. We also have an accountability problem. Chances are you’ve seen the ads by “Wildfire Victims First” on your television recently. Despite its name, this utility-funded political front group is part of a campaign to overhaul the state’s wildfire liability system, which is also a priority for Governor Newsom. The reality is that … Read more

Categories Community Energy Resilience
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Testimony: The Clean Local Power Act will make electricity more affordable

On June 24, 2026, the California Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee voted to advance SB 913 (Becker), the Clean Local Power Act. SB 913 ensures that the millions of California homes and businesses that already have smart technologies can help make energy more affordable for everyone. The following testimony was given to the committee by … Read more

Categories Community Energy Resilience
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Take action to support clean, affordable electricity solutions

Electricity bills are rising and energy demand is growing in California. We’re facing an affordability crisis where families across the state are struggling to pay their bills while investor-owned utilities continue to rake in record-setting profits. Three bills before the California legislature right now can help. SB 913 (Becker), the Clean Local Power Act, will … Read more

Categories Community Energy Resilience
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The primary is over. What does it mean for affordability and climate solutions?

With California’s gubernatorial primary outcome now settled, Xavier Becerra will face off against Steve Hilton to determine who will succeed Gavin Newsom.  Big Oil, investor-owned utilities, and other corporate interests poured more than $50 million into Becerra’s campaign so far. Becerra indicated that he’d support delaying California’s 2045 climate targets, despite having led the state’s … Read more

Categories Community Energy Resilience Fossil Fuels Natural Carbon Sequestration

2026 California Legislation That Saves Money Using Local, Clean Energy

Zoom

Electricity prices are skyrocketing in California and families are struggling to pay their bills. In response, the California legislature is taking steps to make electricity more affordable using clean energy. This webinar highlighted current legislation, including bills that promote plug-in and community solar. These technologies make it easier to utilize locally generated clean energy to … Read more

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What to look for in Governor Newsom’s May Revise state budget

Governor Newsom at UN Climate Week in 2023, where he committed to sign SB 253 and 261. Photo: Office of the California Governor.

On May 14, Governor Newsom released his proposed state budget for 2026-2027. This “May Revise,” as it’s known, is an update to the budget the governor originally proposed in January, which included devastating cuts to state climate investments. The budget process is complex, but it’s an incredibly important piece of California’s climate progress. Our state’s … Read more

Categories Clean Energy Community Energy Resilience Transportation
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Three things that inspired me at the California Climate Policy Summit

From left to right: California Energy Commission Vice Chair Siva Gunda, Senator Josh Becker, Dr. Leah Stokes of UC Santa Barbara, and The Climate Center's Allison Hilliard. Photo by Lara Aburamadan / Survival Media Agency.

There’s nothing like connecting with colleagues, experts, and friends from all over the state in person! I am so grateful to the more than 400 of you who joined us on Monday for the 2026 California Climate Policy Summit in Sacramento. What a special and inspiring day together! If you couldn’t join us, please take … Read more

Categories Carbon Drawdown Community Energy Resilience Fossil Fuels