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California has long prided itself as an environmental trailblazer. It was the first state to set its own vehicle emission rules and the first to outlaw plastic shopping bags.

In 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, went so far as to seek a ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Standing in front of several electric cars, he warned automakers against being on “the wrong side of history.”

The California legislature recently approved AB 825, a measure that will enhance grid reliability and enable the creation of a West-wide regional electricity market. It is now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.

AB 825 will help California develop more renewable energy to sell to other states and expand market access for renewable energy across the Interior West, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The passage of AB 825 caps a years-long push by many clean energy advocates to regionalize the Western energy markets and sets the stage for the creation of a regional transmission organization.

Dive Brief:

California state lawmakers on Sept. 13 approved a legislative package that includes the creation of an expanded Wildfire Fund and enabling the Pathways Initiative for a voluntary, west-wide regional electricity market. 

The legislation was announced by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas on Sept. 10.

The California Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday joined a broad coalition in supporting final amendments to a plan for the Golden State to participate in an expanded regional electricity market — thanking Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders for their leadership in crafting a bill with strong support from business, labor, and environmental groups.

The roar of planes taking off from nearby John Wayne Airport Thursday afternoon did little to dampen enthusiasm for a new 76-unit housing complex taking shape on the grounds of an underutilized Travelodge in Costa Mesa.

Officials, developers and nonprofit leaders assembled for a ceremonial groundbreaking at 1400 Bristol St., where the construction of 120 motel rooms into studio and one-bedroom apartments is already underway and anticipated to wrap by spring.

One of the units was available for tours, showcasing a bedroom and living room with a full bathroom and kitchen.

Legislators are still considering a bill that would mandate anyone convicted of driving under the influence to install a device on their car that would prevent them from starting if alcohol is detected.

Laguna Beach residents may notice a blue van driving along its streets with “Hope Happens Here” boldly written along its side. Within its doors, they will find a team of counselors from Be Well OC, an organization providing crucial mental health services throughout the city.

The city of Laguna Beach has officially renewed its contract with Be Well OC through at least June 2, allowing the organization to operate its Mobile Crisis Response Team throughout the city, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and provides mobile mental health services to those in need wherever they are.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new California bill aimed at preventing drunk driving moved one step closer to becoming law after receiving unanimous approval from the Senate Public Safety Committee.

Assembly Bill 366 would require all DUI offenders in California, including first-time violators, to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. These devices prevent cars from starting if the driver has been drinking.

Thanks to a $750,000 allocation from a state lawmaker, Costa Mesa will soon be add 15 more behavioral health beds at its bridge shelter, doubling its capacity to serve individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues.

City officials announced last week Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) had earmarked funds in the state’s 2025-26 budget to help grow the behavioral healthcare program at the Airway Avenue facility, from 15 dedicated beds to 30.