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.
Additional California News and Analysis
Oil
California’s petroleum watchdog said the Iran conflict has increased global oil price volatility but reported that the state’s fuel supplies remain stable while officials continue monitoring refinery operations and inventories. California Energy Commission, June 12, 2026.
More airlines are reducing or suspending service at Los Angeles International Airport as higher jet fuel costs make certain routes less profitable. Los Angeles Times, June 5, 2026.
Offshore oil
The executive director of the California Coastal Commission sent a letter to Sable Offshore Corporation stating that she intends to “commence proceedings for issuance by the commission of a cease and desist order to Sable and imposition of an administrative penalty” due to its unpermitted pipeline restart. E&E News, June 12, 2026.
California’s two Democratic senators introduced the “Offshore Leasing Standards and Accountability Act,” which would require annual compliance reviews by the Interior Department and require companies to hold in escrow the full estimated costs to safely decommission platforms and plug wells. E&E News, June 10, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
“Sable keeps up the fight for energy —and lower oil prices,” California Post, June 13, 2026.
Zain Khan, “Sable Offshore gives the middle finger to California Coastal Commission after another attack,” California Post, June 11, 2026.
Vehicle emissions
The EPA sent California’s vehicle emissions waivers to Congress, allowing lawmakers to consider overturning the state’s clean vehicle standards under the Congressional Review Act. Reuters, June 12, 2026.
Renewable energy
The California Public Utilities Commission approved new rules for the state’s Community Renewable Energy Program, drawing criticism from clean energy advocates who argue the framework limits participation and weakens project economics, E&E News, CPUC June 11, 2026.
The California Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the state’s rooftop solar compensation rules, leaving the current net billing framework in place. PV Magazine, June 10, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
John Cox, “Solar-friendly bill would again cut Kern’s property tax receipts,” Bakersfield Californian, June 9, 2026.
Ryan Kennedy, “California doubles down on ‘unworkable’ community solar program,” PV Magazine, June 12, 2026.
Nuclear
Commentary and analysis
Ethan Brown, “California is rethinking nuclear — environmental groups should, too,” The Hill, June 9, 2026.
Power and utilities
The Energy Information Administration forecast that U.S. electricity demand will reach record highs in 2026 and 2027, driven largely by AI data centers, electrification, and continued economic growth. Reuters, June 9, 2026.
NV Energy is seeking approval to participate in a regional day-ahead electricity market being set up by the California Independent System Operator Corporation. The Nevada Independent, June 14, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Jeffrey Rissman and Eric Gimon, “Behind-the-meter data center gas plants will raise US energy bills,” Utility Dive, June 8, 2026.
Coal
The Trump administration’s support for coal exports could inadvertently advance efforts to develop Oakland’s long-delayed coal terminal, creating an unusual alignment between federal energy priorities and a controversial local project. Politico, June 11, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Naveena Sadasivam, “Even $75M from Trump may not save Oakland’s embattled coal terminal,” Grist, June 15, 2026.
Climate and emissions
Governor Gavin Newsom and Senate Democrats are divided over climate-related budget proposals and the timing of implementing major environmental regulations. CalMatters, June 12, 2026.
Legislation
The “Plug and Play Solar Act,” SB 868, which would streamline approvals for plug-in portable solar systems of up to 1,200 watts, advanced unanimously in the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee and moved to the Appropriations Committee. PV Magazine, June 11, 2026.
CPUC reform bill ACA 9 was put on hold. The bill was a ballot measure to allow the legislature to appoint four additional members to the CPUC board, which currently has five members appointed by the governor.
Additional News and Analysis
Renewable energy
Global offshore wind capacity is projected to reach 420 GW by 2035, according to the Global Wind Energy Council, although policy uncertainty, permitting delays, and supply chain constraints continue to slow deployment in key markets. Reuters, June 9, 2026.
States and renewable energy developers filed suit challenging Trump administration actions affecting offshore wind projects, arguing the federal government unlawfully halted approved developments. The New York Times, June 12, 2026.
A federal judge overturned the Department of Energy’s cancellation of clean energy grants, finding the agency likely exceeded its authority in rescinding previously awarded funding. Utility Dive, June 12, 2026.
Data shows the continued growth of solar and decline of coal in the United States despite federal policy to promote coal. AP, June 10, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Julian Spector, “This spring, clean energy in the US set record after record,” Canary Media, June 15, 2026.