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The paper outlines an adaptive approach to electricity policy for a hypothetical jurisdiction, focusing on modernizing rate design and market structures to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs). It argues that traditional cost-of-service models are outdated due to technological advances in home automation and on-site generation. The author proposes four key principles for retail rates—cost causation, transparency, adaptability, and customer sophistication—and four principles for market structure—level playing fields, grid stability, innovation, and transparency. The framework is designed to be applicable to both vertically integrated utilities and market-based systems, emphasizing the use of Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) and Integrated Distribution Plans (IDPs) to ensure long-term system optimization.

A technical analysis indicates California can reach 85 percent carbon-free electricity by 2030 even under extreme stressors, such as the August 2020 heat waves and the retirement of one-third of natural gas capacity. To support this, the brief recommends diversifying clean energy resources (including offshore wind and geothermal), phasing out natural gas plants—particularly in disadvantaged communities—and leveraging demand-side resources like energy efficiency and demand response. It also suggests improving regional coordination across Western states and refining reliability evaluation tools used by the CPUC, CEC, and CAISO.

The document argues that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will negatively impact the U.S. economy by increasing energy bills and reducing GDP. To counter this, it urges state governments to accelerate the procurement and permitting of wind and solar projects to ensure they qualify for federal investment tax credits (ITC) and production tax credits (PTC) before the December 31, 2027 deadline, specifically noting a 'safe harbor' eligibility for projects beginning construction by July 4, 2026.

The document argues that the adoption of California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule by all 16 '177 States' would significantly increase electric vehicle (EV) market share, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide substantial public health and economic benefits. Modeling suggests that while federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits provide a temporary boost to EV sales, the ACC II mandate is necessary to sustain growth, potentially leading to 81 percent EV market share by 2050. The report highlights cumulative reductions of 1,310 million metric tons of CO2e, the prevention of 5,000 premature deaths, and the creation of 300,000 new domestic jobs by 2050.

The California Energy Policy Simulator (EPS) indicates that a 55 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 is achievable without new technologies and would generate significant economic and social benefits. The scenario projects a $55.4 billion increase in state GDP, the creation of 235,000 total jobs, and the avoidance of 1,829 premature deaths by 2030. Achieving this target requires accelerating the deployment of electrification, hydrogen, and carbon capture in industry, as well as reaching 90% clean energy for grid-scale generation by 2030.

Energy Innovation uses the California Energy Policy Simulator (EPS) to propose a 'Deeper Decarbonization Scenario' for California. This pathway prioritizes mature technologies—such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and electric appliances—to achieve emissions reductions of 47 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, compared to the state's current Draft Scoping Plan which relies on uncertain carbon dioxide removal. The proposed scenario includes a 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales standard for cars and light-duty trucks by 2030, 100 percent electrification of new appliances by 2030, and a carbon neutral electricity system by 2035. These actions are estimated to add $28 billion to the state's economy and create nearly 170,000 new jobs by 2030, while preventing over 1,300 deaths and 26,600 asthma attacks annually by 2030.

The document argues that U.S. states should implement 'no-regrets' actions in building and industrial efficiency to counter the negative economic impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which is projected to cost households $170 billion in higher energy bills and reduce GDP by $1.1 trillion by 2035. It advocates for the deployment of heat pumps and electric boilers, noting that residential heat pumps have held a 56 percent market share for space heating since 2021. The briefing specifically highlights the potential of industrial electric heat pumps for low-temperature heat (under 200 °C), which are two to four times more efficient than fossil-fueled versions but currently make up less than 2 percent of the market. To overcome barriers such as upfront capital and high electricity rates, the document recommends a suite of policy actions, including adopting modern energy codes, implementing building performance standards, providing point-of-sale rebates, and creating revolving loan funds.

The document finds that reaching an 85% clean electricity target by 2030 is feasible and reliable for California, even under most simultaneous stress conditions. Analysis indicates that while solar and battery storage are primary drivers, a diverse portfolio including offshore wind and geothermal reduces dependence on imports and gas. Battery storage specifically reduces the 'duck curve' ramping requirements by an average of 42%. While the state can retire nearly a third of its in-state gas fleet under certain conditions, some gas remains necessary for reliability unless replaced by comparable firm clean resources. The study emphasizes that sharing power with the rest of the Western United States is more optimal than a 'go it alone' approach.

The document argues that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will negatively impact the U.S. economy, costing households $170 billion in energy bills and reducing GDP by $1.1 trillion by 2035. To counter this, it urges states to reduce clean energy costs by improving siting and permitting, optimizing existing transmission, promoting self-supply for large customers, and enhancing procurement practices.

The document argues that states can lead the energy transition by attracting clean industrial projects and supporting the electrification of industrial process heat. It highlights the economic risks of the federal OBBBA—projecting $170 billion in higher energy bills and a $1.1 trillion GDP shrink by 2035—and proposes specific state-level policy actions, such as clean heat production tax credits, streamlined permitting for industrial parks, and targeted support for clean hydrogen in heavy industry.

The document addresses the recent surge in U.S. electricity demand driven by data centers, manufacturing, and electric vehicles. It warns that utilities are defaulting to new gas plants, which risks creating stranded assets and conflicting with climate goals. The authors propose a portfolio of alternatives, including aggressive energy efficiency, the reuse of fossil fuel interconnection sites for renewables, demand response with large customers, and grid-enhancing technologies to improve existing transmission infrastructure.

The report argues that a small number of well-designed policies—categorized as economic signals, performance standards, and R&D support—can substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and provide economic benefits. It details ten specific policy areas, including vehicle and appliance standards, clean energy supply, and smart urban design, while emphasizing the need for policies to be predictable, market-driven, and synchronized with infrastructure turnover. The text highlights successful examples from the US, China, Europe, and Japan to demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches.

A coalition of more than 150 civil society organizations is urging California to support Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 2 (Gonzalez). This resolution calls for an end to fossil fuel expansion, a fair phase-out of coal, oil, and gas, and the establishment of an international Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to address the climate crisis at its root. The signatories argue that because fossil fuels are omitted from the Paris Agreement, a specific international mechanism is required to stop production expansion and ensure a just energy transition, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and communities of color.

The briefing contends that the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement are insufficient for phasing out fossil fuels due to a lack of mention of specific fuels, a consensus-based decision model, and a focus on emissions rather than production. It proposes a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to address these gaps, noting that a bloc of eight nations, including Vanuatu and Tuvalu, is already calling for such a coalition.

The briefing by Friends of the Earth International critiques carbon trading and offsetting, specifically the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), as mechanisms that lock in fossil fuel dependency and facilitate human rights abuses. It warns that proposed expansions at COP 17—including sectoral crediting, soil carbon markets, and the inclusion of carbon capture and storage (CCS)—will further undermine global climate goals. The author advocates for a systemic transition to renewable energy and the provision of public, additional climate finance instead of market-based mechanisms.

The document critiques carbon emission markets, including 'cap and trade' and 'offsetting' mechanisms, as ineffective tools for climate action. It asserts that these systems allow historical polluters to avoid reducing emissions at the source while causing human rights abuses and 'climate colonialism' in the Global South. The briefing specifically warns against the adoption of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement at COP25, arguing that it would institutionalize these flawed mechanisms and prioritize corporate interests over climate justice.

The document argues that President Donald Trump's 2018 executive order to increase logging by 31 percent to prevent forest fires is misleading and dangerous. It asserts that large-scale industrial timber harvesting is associated with worse fires in some regions and that the primary drivers of worsening fires are climate change, excessive drought, high winds, and heat. The text claims the policy serves to expand the logging industry rather than address the environmental causes of wildfires.

Global Witness is pivoting its strategy from seeking accountability within existing systems to demanding a systemic revolution to address the climate crisis. The organization focuses on debunking the role of fossil gas as a climate solution, cutting off financial flows to companies driving deforestation in tropical forests, and advocating for a new global corporate accountability law. It emphasizes the need to protect land and environmental defenders from violence linked to the global agribusiness industry.

The report analyzes 308 projects totaling over $3.1 billion in IIJA expenditures across California, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Texas. It finds that while significant funds are reaching these states, investments are heavily skewed toward large-scale infrastructure projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, with relatively low funding for public lands and greenspaces. The analysis highlights a gap in orphaned well remediation near Latine communities and notes that carbon capture investments in Texas primarily benefit private industry. However, it identifies successes in fenceline air monitoring and climate pollution planning grants that have reached grassroots organizations and Latine-led initiatives.

GreenLatinos operates an Urban and Community Forestry Program focused on expanding urban tree canopy to mitigate extreme heat and developing the urban forestry workforce in marginalized neighborhoods. As one of twelve national pass-through partners selected by the USDA, GreenLatinos is responsible for disseminating $20 million from the Inflation Reduction Act USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program to disadvantaged communities.