Fossil Fuels

| Blog Post

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

Unlocking the Potential of NextGen Geothermal Energy in California

Geothermal energy plant. Photo by Canva.

California stands at a clean energy crossroads. To achieve 100 percent clean electricity by 2045 — as required by law — the state will of course need more wind, solar, and battery storage, but that’s not all. Next-generation geothermal energy is a compelling, 24/7/365, clean energy source that can support the electrical grid around the … Read more

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The fate of California’s signature climate program

Last year, Cap and Invest (formerly known as Cap and Trade) was one of the hottest topics in California politics. After intense negotiations, the program was reformed and reauthorized through 2045. But that’s not where this story ends.  Cap and Invest, California’s signature climate program that launched in 2013, is a market-based system designed to … Read more

Categories Fossil Fuels Natural Carbon Sequestration
| Blog Post

When it comes to oil drilling, a tale of two Californias

Neighborhood oil drilling in California

California’s status as a top oil-producing state has long been at odds with our reputation for environmental leadership. As the consequences of burning fossil fuels have become clear and clean energy becomes more economically competitive, oil production has declined since the 1980s. But the geographic divide is stark and the industry isn’t going down without … Read more

Categories Climate Justice Fossil Fuels Public Health
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Tell Governor Newsom to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels

In 2022 and 2024, Governor Newsom called two special sessions of the California legislature to address refinery closures, gasoline supply, and gas prices. In both special sessions, legislation was enacted to help navigate the transition to zero-emission transportation.  In these special sessions, Governor Newsom championed solutions to address the transition away from fossil fuels. Unfortunately, … Read more

Categories Fossil Fuels Just Transition
| Blog Post

Super El Niño drives record-breaking global heat wave, threatening World Cup

England faces off against Ghana in the 2026 World Cup in Boston. Photo by Zakarie Faibis / Wikimedia Commons.

Is it getting hotter where you live? You’re not alone. Temperatures have reached life-threatening highs across North America, Europe, and Asia in the last month. The combination of climate change and a developing Super El Niño — a weather pattern in which increased heat and moisture from the oceans rise into the atmosphere — means … Read more

Categories Climate Justice Fossil Fuels Public Health

The Transportation Fuels Transition Plan: Moving California Beyond Fossil Fuels

California is in what experts are calling a mid-transition away from fossil fuels, meaning neither the declining fossil fuel-based energy system nor the emerging clean energy economy are entirely stable or self-sustaining. To help navigate the transition to zero-emission transportation, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Energy Commission (CEC) were tasked with producing … Read more

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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
| Post

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
| Blog Post

Opening remarks from the 2026 California Climate Policy Summit

The 2026 California Climate Policy Summit. Photo by Lara Aburamadan / Survival Media Agency.

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

Categories Carbon Drawdown Climate Targets Community Energy Resilience Fossil Fuels