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
Case Against BOEM Challenging Sable Restart Thrown Out (May 15, 20260 – A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by two environmental groups challenging the restart of oil production on Sable Offshore Corp.’s three offshore platforms near Santa Barbara, ruling that the environmental groups lacked standing. Read more.
Additional California News and Analysis
Oil and gas
Gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra received $500,000 from California Resources Corp, a major oil producer backing his run for governor. New York Post, May 15, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
John Cox, “Competing assessments take different views of law enabling Kern oil permitting,” Bakersfield Californian, May 13, 2026.
Gasoline and fuels
Gov. Gavin Newsom does not support proposals to suspend California’s gas taxes amid soaring gas prices following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, The Sacramento Bee, May 13, 2026.
India’s cuts to alkylate exports could worsen California’s gasoline shortage and inflate California’s gasoline prices. The state’s only option may be waiving state fuel requirements to ease price pressure. Reuters, May 18, 2026.
EVs
California launched a $1 billion rebate program to boost the sales of electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks, using money from the state’s low-carbon fuel standard program. Office of the Governor, May 13, 2026. (DO ARTICLE ON THIS)
Power and utilities
San Diego Gas & Electric is proposing a 140-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission line that would cut through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California. Opponents say it would threaten the desert landscape. Los Angeles Times, May 17, 2026.
Renewable energy
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will vote June 11 on whether to finalize a proposed decision by an administrative judge rejecting changes to the Community Renewable Energy Program. CPUC Voting Meetings; Utility Dive, May 14, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Kenin M. Spivak, “California’s Democrats Advance China’s Energy Dominance,” Real Clear Politics, May 18, 2026.
Carbon and emissions
California could become the first US state to introduce mandatory efficiency standards for replacement car tires in a move designed to cut emissions, improve air quality and save drivers money. The California Energy Commission is considering new rules that would require replacement tires to match the efficiency standards of those originally fitted to new vehicles. Energy Live News, May 18, 2026.
Legislation
The following bills were paused in committee.
AB 1774 would require utilities to complete a one-time independent audit of all wildfire mitigation expenditures.
AB 2338 would require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to require utilities to submit an inflation-constrained rate case scenario that does not exceed the projected federal social security beneficiary cost-of-living adjustment.
SB 986 and SB 1161 would allow lawmakers to approve major regulations and include a new requirement for the California Air Resources Board to prepare and publish an economic impact assessment on climate rules. E&E News, May 15, 2026.
SB 1215 would require electric utilities to install more electric vehicle charging stations at apartments.
Other legislative developments
SB 905, an electricity rate bill, was amended to remove a program to reimburse electric utilities for investment in wildfire prevention projects.
Additional News and Analysis
Power and utilities
NextEra Energy will buy Dominion Energy in an all-stock deal valued at nearly $67 billion, making the combined company the world leader in renewables and battery storage, the U.S. leader in natural gas generation, and second in nuclear power. CNBC, May 18, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Dan Gearino, Amy Green, Charles Paullin, “A Utility Mega-Merger Is All About Data Centers,” Utility Dive, May 18, 2026.
Renewable energy
U.S. solar panel makers asked federal trade officials to investigate solar shipments from Ethiopia, alleging that companies are finishing their products there to avoid import duties on Chinese-made goods. Reuters, April 12, 2026.
Oil and gas
The US issued a new waiver allowing the sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products already loaded on tankers. The waiver, which extends to June 17, will “help stabilize the physical crude market” and “provide the most vulnerable nations with the ability to temporarily access Russian oil currently stranded at sea.” Bloomberg, May 18, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
“The looming energy crunch,” Financial Times, May 17, 2026.
EVs
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released a highway bill that includes a fee on electric and hybrid vehicles. E&E News, May 18, 2026.