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.
California News and Analysis
Oil and gas
Judge blocks California’s statewide fracking-permit ban. The decision states that the California Geologic Energy Management Division’s 2024 rule that banned fracking in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions “is not supported by substantial evidence and lacks a rational connection to that purpose.” Politico Pro, October 9, 2026.
Senate Democrats are examining a former administration officials’ connections to Sable Offshore. Democrats reportedly opened an inquiry into the relationship between Brittany Kelm and Sable Offshore Corp. Kelm spent more than a year at the White House as a senior energy adviser on the National Energy Dominance Council before joining Sable. Politico Pro, October 7, 2026.
Natural gas and building electrification
New California law requires utilities to offer electrification incentives before replacing certain gas lines. Legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom requires gas utilities to offer eligible customers financial incentives to switch to electric appliances instead of replacing aging gas-service lines. The measure provides an alternative to utility spending on gas infrastructure that could remain in service for decades as California pursues building electrification. Canary Media, October 12, 2026.
Electricity rates, utilities, and affordability
CPUC announces November electricity climate credits for customers of three smaller utilities. Eligible residential customers of Bear Valley Electric Service, Liberty Utilities, and PacifiCorp will receive California Climate Credits on their November electricity bills. The credits are funded through the state’s Cap-and-Invest program and return a portion of allowance proceeds to utility customers. California Public Utilities Commission, October 12, 2026.
Grid, transmission, and storage
Commentary and analysis
Jeff St. John, “California amps up pressure on grid buildouts that take too long,” Canary Media, October 7, 2026.
Transportation and EVs
CEC opens $28 million in incentives for public EV fast chargers. The California Energy Commission opened a funding round offering at least $28 million for publicly accessible direct-current fast chargers, with incentives of up to $100,000 per port. Applications are open through January 14, 2027, with priority for projects serving disadvantaged, low-income, and tribal communities. California Energy Commission, October 7, 2026.
Climate policy and international cooperation
California and France establish new clean-energy and climate partnership. Gov. Gavin Newsom and French Minister Monique Barbut signed a letter of intent October 9 to expand cooperation on clean energy, clean transportation, climate resilience, environmental protection, research, and economic development. The agreement builds on a decade of cooperation between California and France. Governor of California, October 9, 2026.
Hydropower
Commentary and analysis
Bruce McLaughlin, “Hydropower keeps California moving — policy needs to catch up,” Capitol Weekly, October 9, 2026.
Data centers
San Francisco and Oakland impose data-center moratoriums. San Francisco and Oakland approved separate 45-day moratoriums on new data-center development while officials evaluate electricity demand, water use, environmental effects, and potential permanent restrictions. San Francisco’s measure also covers expansions of existing facilities. CBS San Francisco, October 7, 2026.
Santa Clara pursues revised data-center regulations. Santa Clara is considering additional controls on data-center electricity and water consumption while maintaining its role as a major computing center. The city’s municipal utility stopped accepting new data-center electricity-service requests in 2023 because of capacity constraints and is investing in additional infrastructure. San Francisco Chronicle, October 7, 2026.
San Jose mayor proposes stricter rules for data centers. Mayor Matt Mahan released a 16-point draft regulatory plan that would require data center developers to power the computing facilities with 100% carbon-neutral electricity, minimize water consumption, and finance community benefits. Politico Pro, October 9, 2026.
Geothermal
Proposed geothermal exploration divides Surprise Valley. Ormat Technologies is preparing to drill up to 11 exploratory wells on nine well pads in Modoc County, prompting debate over jobs and clean-energy development versus potential effects on groundwater, hot springs, property values, and the valley’s rural character. SFGATE, October 12, 2026.
Beyond California
Oil markets and geopolitics
IEA accelerates emergency oil-stock releases as fuel prices remain elevated. The International Energy Agency agreed to accelerate releases of emergency petroleum stocks, emphasizing diesel supplies, as disruptions associated with the Iran conflict continued to affect global markets. Reuters, October 7, 2026.
U.S. crude inventories decline as refinery activity and exports increase. Energy Information Administration data showed commercial crude inventories fell 3.2 million barrels to 424.1 million barrels in the week ending October 2. Refinery utilization increased to 92.7%, while crude exports rose to approximately 4.77 million barrels per day. Reuters, October 7, 2026.
Oil and emissions
EPA moves to rescind methane leak policy for oil and gas operations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it would propose repealing the Biden-era “super emitter” program, which requires oil and gas companies to respond to third-party reports of suspected large methane leaks. Reuters, EPA, October 7, 2026.
Data centers
FERC approves PJM data-center registry but rejects proposed emergency curtailment rules. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved PJM Interconnection’s proposal to establish a registry tracking data centers and other large electricity loads but rejected provisions that would have allowed the grid operator to curtail their service during emergencies. Reuters, October 12, 2026.
Flexible data-center electricity demand could reduce grid infrastructure costs. Utilities and technology companies are exploring ways for data centers to reduce or shift electricity consumption during periods of peak demand, potentially limiting the need for additional generation and transmission investments. Reuters, October 8, 2026.
Federal energy legislation would impose new requirements on data-center electricity costs. A bipartisan Senate proposal would establish new requirements affecting data-center energy infrastructure and cost responsibility while seeking to accelerate energy-project permitting. Axios, October 8, 2026.
Federal permitting reform
Commentary and analysis
Jake Bittle and Austin Corona, “The bipartisan energy bill tearing the climate movement apart,” Grist, October 8, 2026.
Battery and storage
Commentary and analysis
Brian Deese and Anna Pasnau, “The battery-storage backlash is a costly case of mistaken identity,” Washington Post, October 7, 2026.