Image by azrin_aziriOPINION – As Californians grapple with a seemingly insurmountable housing shortage, we cannot ignore the related urgent need to address the growing risk of devastating wildfires. The California Building Industry Association (CBIA) firmly believes that tackling wildfire risks head-on is a vital step towards finding solutions to our housing crisis.
Clean energy transition, image by FrankHHOPINION – Central procurement would enable California to aggregate the needs of dozens of electricity providers and pool this purchasing power to negotiate with project developers of large clean energy projects for the best possible deal.
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.
ROADMAP 2035, Keynote. CPUC Commisssioner John Reynolds in conversation with Rich Ehisen, Capitol Weekly. Photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly’s conference examining California’s climate goals: ROADMAP 2035: Cars, Carbon and Climate Change – How Do We Meet California’s Zero Emissions Goals? which was held in Sacramento at the California Endowment Conference Center on Thursday, May 25, 2023. This is the Keynote, a conversation between California Public Utilities Commissioner John Reynolds and Capitol Weekly editor Rich Ehisen.
A person uses a laptop computer to go online and search for housing. (Photo: Tada Images, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Expanding broadband access is key to advancing equity in our increasingly digital society. So why are California regulators taking steps to restrict the use of federal and state broadband subsidies to support communities that need them most, effectively widening the digital divide?
The Diablo Canyon nuclear power station on the coast of Central California. (Photo: Tracey Adams, via Wikipedia and Flickr)OPINION: California’s power is expensive and polluting – but doesn’t have to be.
The state of California plans to replace Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) mostly with Wyoming coal-fired generation. The source of the replacement power will remain hidden until 2025, when Californians can’t stop the state
Solar panels arranged in California's Mojave Desert. (Photo: Andfrei Orlov, via Shuttertstock)OPINION: Local solar power — on our roofs and in our neighborhoods — has always been a more nimble and resilient form of clean energy, but now we know that consumer solar is also cost-effective leaving little doubt that it should be a key element of the state’s energy transition.
An industrial power plant festooned with smokestacks. (Photo: J.D.S., via Shutterstock)OPINION: Every summer California fires up dirty fossil-fuel “peaker” power plants across the state to try to keep the lights on. Want to guess where these plants are usually located? That’s right, overwhelmingly in underserved neighborhoods and communities of color.
Solar energy units atop houses in Vista, in northern San Diego County. (Photo: Simone Hgan, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Over the past few weeks, we have seen an increase in activity and misinformation from opponents of AB 1139, California Solar Equity and Ratepayer Relief legislation, authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego).
A smart phone user with his device. (Photo: TK Studio, via Shutterstock)OPINION: With the continued struggles exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vitally important for consumers, especially historically underserved consumers and business communities to have access to reliable and affordable mobile services.