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
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
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. Four bills before the California legislature right now can help. SB 913 (Becker), the Clean Local Power Act, will … Read more
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
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
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
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
On April 13, 2026, more than 400 elected officials, climate activists, business leaders, environmental justice advocates, scientists, and policy experts gathered for the fifth annual California Climate Policy Summit. Thank you to all of you who joined us and supported this event! Read The Climate Center CEO Ellie Cohen’s opening remarks below: Welcome everyone, and … Read more
Bizarre and dangerous. That’s how I saw last month’s record-shattering heat wave that stretched from coastal California to the Great Plains. Temperatures for March exceeded the highest on record by enormous margins in at least 65 cities across multiple states. Some locations even broke records for April and May! Extreme heat kills and sickens more … Read more
California continues to lead the nation in EV adoption, even without federal tax incentives. In fact, electric and other zero-emission vehicles made up about 23 percent of new car sales in 2025, with more than 2.5 million new EVs sold since 2011 in the state. Accelerating EV adoption even further could help California tackle three … Read more
