California Energy Journal Weekly
For the week August 1, 2025 to August 8, 2025
This weekly newsletter will highlight the latest from the California Energy Journal along with links to articles and analysis on key developments in California energy policy.
From the California Energy Journal
Class Action Securities Fraud Filed against Sable for Restart Claim (August 6, 2025) – Two law firms filed securities class action lawsuits against Sable Offshore Corp., alleging that the company misled investors about the restart of oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit. The suit, announced on July 30, 2025, claims that Sable Offshore stated that it had resumed oil production in the Santa Ynez Unit, when it had only begun testing. The class action represents investors who bought securities between May 19, 2025 and June 3, 2025. Read more.
No New Legal Challenges for Kern County Oil and Gas Rezoning Ordinance (August 5, 2025) – The 30-day period to challenge against Kern County’s revised oil and gas ordinance expired without new lawsuits, the Bakersfield Californian reported. The court must still approve the environmental review, but local oil permitting could resume within a year. Read more.
Additional News
Power and Utilities
California has for years refused to create a Western energy market over concerns about fossil fuels and union jobs. Now, the idea is closer than ever, as lawmakers are poised to tie that grid to coal-burning states. CalMatters (August 6, 2025).
Solar
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will try to claw back $7 billion doled out by the Biden administration’s Solar For All program to provide rooftop solar power in disadvantaged communities. The Hill (August 7, 2025).
Almost none of the $250 million that California received from the Inflation Reduction Act’s Solar for All program, which the Trump administration is making plans to terminate as soon as this week, has made it out the door yet. Politico (August 6, 2025).
Some of the solar sector’s biggest companies say they will benefit from the One Big Beautiful Bill, as it is shutting out Chinese rivals and ‘safe harbour’ rules strengthen the position of firms such as First Solar and NextEra. Financial Times (August 7, 2025).
EVs
The California Energy Commission (CEC) launched the Fast Charge California Project, a $55 million incentive program offering up to 100% of the installation costs for electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers at businesses and public sites across the state. CEC (August 5, 2025).
Interesting Reads
“Trump’s Big EPA Reversal Could Have a Strange Twist for California,” Emily Pontecorvo, Heatmap (August 4, 2025).