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 Seeks Preliminary Injunction to Stop Sable Pipeline Restart (May 8, 2026) – California filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop Sable Offshore Corp.’s restart of the Las Flores Pipeline System serving the offshore Santa Ynez Unit. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the motion on May 1, 2026, asking the court to revoke the federal order to restart the pipeline and to block the transportation of oil through the pipeline system. The pipeline, which was shut down following the 2015 Refugio oil spill, is critical to restarting oil production in the Santa Ynez Unit. Read more.
CEC Subpoenas Golden State Wind Over Federal Lease Buyout (May 11, 2026) – The California Energy Commission (CEC) issued an administrative investigative subpoena to Golden State Wind LLC on May 4, 2026, seeking records on its agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior to abandon its offshore wind lease off the Central Coast of California. Read more.
Additional California News and Analysis
Oil and gas
A spokesperson for the Office of the Department of Energy called California energy policies an “untenable threat to our national security, especially in a time of military conflict.” New York Post, May 5, 2026.
The oil and gas industry spent $10.3 million lobbying California lawmakers and regulators in the first quarter of 2026. The Western States Petroleum Association spent $4.3 million, followed by Chevron at $3.7 million. Elk Grove News, May 11, 2026.
Environmental groups announced plans to file a motion to intervene and join the state of California in opposing President Donald Trump’s order to reactivate Sable Offshore Corp.’s pipeline. Noozhawk, Santa Barbara Independent, May 7, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Edward Ring, “Can Oil Industry Lawsuits Compel Rational Energy Policy?,” California Policy Center, May 6, 2026.
Gasoline and fuels
CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda testified that California has enough fuel supply to meet demand for the next six weeks. KCRA, May 5, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Collin Eaton, “Think $6 Gas Is Bad? It’s About to Get Even Worse in California,” Wall Street Journal, May 11, 2026.
Power and utilities
The Extended Day-Ahead Market’s prices are falling within expected ranges, according to the California Independent System Operator. Utility Dive, May 7, 2026.
California energy leaders reported a generally positive outlook for summer 2026 grid reliability, citing major gains in battery storage, clean energy deployment, forecasting, and emergency preparedness following years of investment and planning. CEC, May 4, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Claire Barber, “California’s Battery Array Is as Powerful as 12 Nuclear Power Plants. Here’s What’s on the Horizon.,” Inside Climate News, May 5, 2026.
Carbon and emissions
California’s cap-and-invest climate program is under continued scrutiny as state regulators weigh changes they say could help stabilize fuel prices and support refineries while keeping California on track to meet its climate goals. ABC News, May 6, 2026.
Additional News and Analysis
Energy production
Total U.S. energy production increased to a new record of 107 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) in 2025, a 3.4% increase from the previous record set in 2024, according to new data in our Monthly Energy Review. Total production was driven by record-high production in natural gas, crude oil, natural gas plant liquids (NGPLs), and renewables. This was the fourth consecutive year in which the United States set a record for total energy production. EIA, May 11, 2026.
Oil and gas
The oil market is in “a race against time,” according to Morgan Stanley, as factors that restrained price rises from the Iran war may come under strain if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed into June. Bloomberg, May 11, 2026.
Gasoline and fuels
President Donald Trump said Monday he will move to suspend the federal tax on gasoline to help Americans shoulder surging fuel prices caused by the Iran war. Congress, however, would have to approve the move. AP, May 11, 2026.
Renewable energy
President Donald Trump signed legislation to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects. S. 1020, the “Build More Hydro” bill, would allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the construction start period for projects licensed before March 2020 by up to six years, in two-year increments. E&E News, May 12, 2026.