Tracking emissions, image by Travel maniaOPINION – A new proposal nearing passage in the Legislature threatens the delicate balance of consensus between environmentalists and the business community. Senate Bill SB 253 would place significant new burdens on businesses – including medium and small businesses – without removing a single molecule of carbon dioxide or other climate pollutants from the atmosphere.
Offshore wind turbines, image by New AfricaCalifornia ports are positioned to be key hubs in the offshore wind industry with the capacity for the manufacturing, staging and integration, and deployment of floating offshore wind turbines. But our ports need significant infrastructure upgrades to reach the goals set by the California Energy Commission (CEC) of up to 5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045.
Hydrogen storage, image by Audio und werbungOPINION – California’s effort to accelerate the development and deployment of clean, renewable hydrogen projects and infrastructure reflects our unique approach to establishing innovative projects in major transportation and goods movement zones across the state, thereby helping to green the transportation corridors throughout the region.
Fast Internet, image by alphaspirit.itOPINION – The CPUC recently approved measures to marry state and federal broadband subsidies. Its decision allows eligible Californians dual enrollment to the state`s Lifeline program and the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This pilot is a massive value that comes at no cost to the consumer.
Unemployment cliff, image by Marus NazzarovOPINION – The “hot labor summer” gripping Southern California shows no signs of cooling down. Hollywood actors have joined forces with TV and movie writers in walking off the job. Striking hospitality workers made headlines calling on Taylor Swift to postpone her tour. These stories are a stark reminder that corporate profits almost always come at the expense of workers’ livelihood.
Stethoscope and calculator, image by Michail PetrovOPINION – Rising inflation has led to soaring healthcare costs for businesses. Compounding these challenges is SB 598, a bill currently under consideration in the California Legislature that, if enacted, it would further burden businesses, especially small businesses, with additional costs while introducing low-value care into the state’s healthcare system, harming patients across California.
Civil rights law, image by Vitalii VodolazskyiOPINION – Sometimes, what looks like “more” government is actually “better” government. But California offers a cautionary tale of what happens when the federal government fails at its job.
Health care, image by janewsOPINION – Across California, some of our most vulnerable neighbors remain unaware that they need to take action to keep their health care. This isn’t a small group: nearly 16 million Californians are enrolled in Medi-Cal, and about 75% of this group must submit the information requested in their renewal packet or they could be disenrolled – that’s a total of almost 12 million people.
Solar farm in Napa, CA. Image by Noah SauveOPINION – California’s utility regulator has an opportunity to tackle housing costs and energy affordability challenges all while enhancing the state’s leading efforts at addressing climate change. California must take all necessary steps to expedite that access by adopting strong community solar plus storage program design.
The need for climate action, image by ShutterstockOPINION – As we experience more extreme heat, droughts, water scarcity, and intense wildfires, California’s role as a climate leader for the nation and world is called into question. Our state legislature and Governor Newsom must now pass key climate bills to reduce emissions at the sources, hold polluters accountable for their climate impact, and support climate resiliency in frontline communities.