This weekly newsletter highlights the latest from the California Energy Journal along with links to articles and analysis on key developments in California energy policy.
Questions, comments, or tips? Contact editor@californiaenergyjournal.com.
From the California Energy Journal
California Challenges Federal Offshore Fracking Review (April 10, 2026) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta formally opposed a federal environmental review that could authorize offshore hydraulic fracturing at Platform Gilda, arguing that the process violates federal law and longstanding court orders. Read more.
Additional California News and Analysis
Oil and gas
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited a Long Beach oil site to pressure Gov. Newsom over state regulations he says are driving up energy costs for Californians. Wright visited Synergy Oil & Gas, where a deal to convert a retired oil field into wetlands — in exchange for new drilling rights — has been blocked by a state law. Cal Matters, April 9, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Zain Khan, “Oil giant gives Newsom the middle finger — and offers rare peak inside California’s gas lifeline, NY Post, April 12, 2026.
Gasoline and fuels
California Rep. Kevin Kiley introduced a bill to withhold annual federal transportation funding from states with gas taxes exceeding 50 cents per gallon. X post, April 8, 2026.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing a plan to direct road funds to a struggling oil refinery, presenting it as a cleaner jet fuel initiative. Washington Post, April 8, 2026.
Environmental groups called for the California Energy Commission to implement emergency regulations that would place a profit cap on oil refiners, obligate the companies to make up for supply losses during outages and keep extra inventories in storage. Politico, April 8, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Alejandro Lazo, “California wants to fund green jet fuel — by raiding your road repair budget,” Cal Matters, April 8, 2026.
Jon Fleischman, “California gas prices aren’t a mystery — they’re the result of ‘progressive’ policy,” New York Post, April 6, 2026.
Nuclear
A new report alleges Pacific Gas & Electric inflated costs when it requested a loan for Diablo Canyon, potentially creating a $658.6-million cost to taxpayers if lawmakers don’t intervene. Los Angeles Times, April 7, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Clive Pinder, “The greenest thing on the Central Coast is the one they want to shut down,” San Luis Obispo Tribune, April 12, 2026.
Power and utilities
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has recommended 38 transmission upgrades in its draft 2025-2026 Transmission Plan, with an estimated cost of $7 billion at full buildout over the next decade. CAISO, April 7, 2026.
Federal policy
The U.S. Department of Energy issued a fact sheet calling California energy policies a national security threat. DOE, April 8, 2026.
Climate and emissions
Skyrocketing gasoline prices in the US are fueling efforts to weaken state climate laws, with debates in states like California, Massachusetts, Michigan and New York over whether climate action is affordable. Bloomberg, April 6, 2026.
Renewable energy
Californian hydrogen refueling station operators are scrambling for gaseous supply as delivery disruptions leave just six sites available across the entire state. H2 View, April 7, 2026.
PacifiCorp has no plans to add more wind or solar facilities in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and California from 2027 through 2045. The company cites the repeal of major portions of the Inflation Reduction Act as driving this change. AP, April 13, 2026.
Additional News and Analysis
Oil and gas
A refinery in Brownsville, Texas is intended to be the first new refinery in the US for 50 years. It will involve a modest initial outlay of around $40mn by Reliance Industries, according to two people familiar with the matter. Financial Times, April 7, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Mark Hertsgaard and Kyle Pope, “A new economic superpower could spark a global retreat from fossil fuels,” The Guardian, April 7, 2026.
Dave Jones, “Gun Manufacturers Won the Ultimate Legal Shield. Big Oil Wants That, Too.,” New York Times, April 13, 2026
Climate and emissions
The EU will give gas producers more leeway on methane import rules to avoid gas being diverted from the bloc, as governments scramble to secure additional energy supplies in the wake of the US-Iran war. Financial Times, April 9, 2026.