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.
Top Stories from the California Energy Journal
Santa Barbara County Adopts Ban on New Onshore Oil and Gas Wells (September 16, 2026) – The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on September 15, 2026 to prohibit new onshore oil and gas wells in unincorporated areas, completing the first phase of a broader county effort to phase out local oil and gas production. The action applies only to onshore development under county jurisdiction. It does not apply to offshore drilling. Read more.
Trump Administration Appeals Ruling on California Emissions Waivers (September 18, 2026) – The Trump administration appealed a federal court order on September 15 that prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from treating certain California emissions waivers as rules subject to repeal under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The appeal seeks review of a preliminary injunction; it does not resolve the underlying dispute. Read more.
California News and Analysis
Utilities, rates and grid policy
Newsom vetoes bill creating a CPUC inspector general. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 353, which would have established an inspector general for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Newsom cited conflicts with the Public Advocates Office and unbudgeted costs. Utility Dive, September 21, 2026.
Newsom vetoes bill requiring disclosure of data used in calculation methodology. AB 1761 would have required utilities and the CPUC to disclose the data used to calculate charges imposed on customers who leave investor-owned utilities for community choice aggregators. Utility Dive, September 21, 2026.
Newsom signs legislation creating a transmission infrastructure accelerator. AB 192 establishes an accelerator and revolving fund to support eligible high-voltage transmission projects selected through the CAISO competitive-solicitation process. Utility Dive, September 21, 2026.
Southern California Edison outlines its strategy for adapting the grid to climate risks. A new white paper describes how SCE is incorporating projections for extreme heat, wildfire, flooding, and sea-level rise into infrastructure planning and investments. Southern California Edison, September 18, 2026.
Commentary and analysis
Robert Bryce, “California Is So Screwed,” Robert Bryce, September 19, 2026.
Data centers
Newsom signs seven-bill package regulating data center development. The legislation requires reporting on data center electricity and water use, directs regulators to develop new rate structures and seeks to prevent infrastructure costs from shifting to other customers. Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, September 21, 2026.
San Francisco supervisors propose 45-day moratorium on new data centers. San Francisco supervisors proposed a 45-day moratorium on new data-center approvals while the city studies electricity, water, pollution, noise and other impacts and develops updated regulations. The proposal follows Gilroy’s adoption of a temporary moratorium, while additional Bay Area communities are considering restrictions. KQED, September 15, 2026
Distributed energy and building electrification
California lawmakers send Newsom bills streamlining permits and inspections for distributed energy projects. SB 222 would standardize and expedite heat-pump permitting, while AB 1738 would require qualifying cities and counties to offer remote inspections for heat pumps, rooftop solar and battery systems. Canary Media, September 14, 2026.
Oil, gas and fuel markets
Sable plans excavations at 12 pipeline locations following corrosion testing. Sable Offshore sought county approval to inspect locations identified through internal pipeline testing and make repairs if necessary, potentially creating another dispute over state and local permitting requirements. Santa Barbara Independent, September 17, 2026.
Record diesel prices increase costs for California farmers during harvest. California’s average diesel price exceeded $8 per gallon as international supply disruptions and seasonal demand increased fuel and transportation expenses for agricultural producers. San Francisco Chronicle, September 19, 2026.
Newsom signs bill clearing the way for E15 gasoline sales. SB 795 removes a remaining regulatory barrier to selling gasoline containing as much as 15% ethanol in California, implementing authorization enacted in 2025. Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, September 19, 2026; Reuters, September 21, 2026.
Newsom vetoes bill on task force for staffing oil refineries. AB 605 would establish a state task force to examine refinery staffing and workforce issues following announcements that facilities will close or reduce operations. Newsom said in his veto message that diverting staff to this task could “diminish their ability to focus on holding refineries accountable for meeting required health and safety standards, potentially putting refinery workers at greater risk.”
Commentary and analysis
Eric Eisenhammer, “California’s Energy Problem Is Now a National Security Problem,” California Globe, September 15, 2026.
“Trump Wants More Oil Production from California’s Offshore,” Institute for Energy Research, September 18, 2026.
Transportation and emissions
House votes to overturn another California emissions program. The House voted to repeal California emissions requirements for ocean-going vessels, continuing congressional efforts to use the Congressional Review Act against EPA approvals of state programs. Politico Pro, September 16, 2026.
Newsom signs legislation intended to accelerate electric-vehicle charging. Six new laws address charger permitting, access to charging, consumer choice and disclosure of zero-emission truck incentives. The Governor signed SB 969, SB 1283, AB 1820, SB 1213, SB 1267, and SB 615. Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, September 20, 2026.
EVs
CEC program installs 384 EV charging ports at multifamily properties. The Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charging Accelerator deployed Level 2 chargers at 43 communities representing 2,701 housing units; 40 of the properties were affordable communities serving low-income
Permitting and environmental review
Newsom vetoes restrictions on the CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing. SB 954 would impose additional environmental-review requirements on certain advanced-manufacturing projects seeking expedited treatment under state law. Los Angeles Times, September 18, 2026.
Beyond California
Nuclear energy
NRC’s overhaul of nuclear licensing rules will continue into 2027. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering narrower environmental reviews, revised radiation-protection requirements, and a licensing framework for microreactors as the administration seeks faster approvals for new reactors. Reuters, September 15, 2026.
Carbon markets and global energy
EU lawmakers vote to remove the carbon-border levy’s emergency brake. The European Parliament voted to eliminate a provision allowing temporary suspension of the levy during unexpected price increases, setting up negotiations with EU member states over the final rules. Reuters, September 15, 2026.
France calls for a G7 summit on releasing additional oil reserves. French President Emmanuel Macron said G7 leaders should consider further releases from strategic oil and fuel reserves as international supply disruptions continue to pressure prices. Financial Times, September 18, 2026.