Brown’s Controversial Choice for Top Regulatory Agency Affirmed
The state Senate recently OK’d the governor’s pick — a longtime aide who helped fire other regulators for trying to stop oil companies from polluting...
Energy
Senate Completes Creation of “Brown Utility Commission,” Neutering PUC Independence
Santa Monica, CA — The California Senate completed Governor Jerry Brown’s consolidation of the California Public Utility Commission in the hands of three of his...
The Sex Trafficking Fight Could Take Down a Bedrock Tech Law
No origin story of the internet would be complete without mentioning one of its legal pillars: Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a 21-year-old...
California Wants Millions to Fund Water Project
Dozens of water agencies and millions of families and farmers could be on the hook for building two giant tunnels to carry Northern California’s water...
Senate Confirms Two Latest Appointees To State Utilities Panel
Gov. Jerry Brown’s two latest nominees to the California Public Utilities Commission were confirmed by state lawmakers in the closing hours of the legislative session...
Consumer Advocacy Groups Want LADWP’s Official Watchdog Fired. Here’s Why
Several groups have gathered at Los Angeles City Hall today to call for the firing of an official watchdog charged with fighting for the interests...
Some Thoughts On The Transportation Department’s New Autonomous Vehicle Guidelines
On September 13, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced the release of an updated set autonomous vehicles guidelines, titled “Automated Driving Systems 2.0: A Vision for...
Tech Companies Push Back As Congress Tries To Fight Online Sex Trafficking
In its next step to amend a federal law which allows websites such as Backpage.com to host ads for child sex-trafficking, the Senate is holding...
Consumer Watchdog Kicks Off Campaign To Fire LADWP Ratepayer Advocate Fred Pickel
Santa Monica, CA — Consumer Watchdog, Food & Water Watch, DWP ratepayers and other advocacy groups rally today in front of City Hall to urge...
End of Session Hijinks In Sacramento Leave Consumers In Cold
As the legislature ended its business for the year in the early morning hours, legislative leaders proclaimed a prolific progressive session. Not so if you care...
Power Grid Expansion Plan Withdrawn Amid Political Backlash
The late-session plan to restructure management of the California power grid skidded to a halt Wednesday in the wake of growing opposition from interest groups...
CAISO Expansion Legislation Delayed Until 2018
According to Natural Resources Defense Council, which backs the move towards regionalization of western energy markets, Holden has said the issue will likely be revisited in...