California could phase out fracking, other oil drilling under bill headed for first test in Legislature

[Source: KQED] Legislation that would gradually phase out fracking and other extraction methods that account for most of California’s petroleum production faces its first big test in Sacramento on Tuesday. The nine-member Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee is set to vote on a proposal, Senate Bill 267 (Bill Text – SB-467 Oil and gas: Read More…

New Aera CEO: Calls to ban in-state oil production ‘a dangerous idea’ for California

[Source: Bakersfield.com] The new head of Bakersfield-based oil producer Aera Energy LLC on Thursday condemned growing calls to end California petroleum production, charging in an exclusive interview that the industry’s opponents are ignoring science and confusing people into supporting a “dangerous idea” that would cost jobs, tax revenue and energy independence without making needed progress Read More…

Gavin Newsom, John Cox a world apart on environmental issues

[Source: San Francisco Chronicle] Gavin Newsom and John Cox both drive zero-emission Teslas. That’s about where the common ground ends between California’s candidates for governor when it comes to the environment. Until recently, Cox said he wasn’t sure how much humans contribute to climate change. “I’m not a climatologist,” the Republican candidate would say. As Read More…

California environmental leaders, lawmakers gird for fight against President Trump

[Source: The Press Democrat] Restoring salmon in the Russian River and protecting the North Coast from oil rigs — two long-standing campaigns with broad public support — are among the goals likely to be challenged if not stifled by the sharp right turn of Donald Trump’s administration, environmental advocates and Democratic lawmakers said. More broadly, Read More…