What happens if California does not repay federal unemployment funds?
Christina Gagnier talks with Tom Sheehy, Principal at the Sheehy Strategy Group and former California Department of Finance executive, about efforts to pay back federal funding that kept the claims system running. They also discuss a potential tax increase on employers if federal funding is not repaid.
Commentary: California’s Water Shortage Was Created by a Lack of Leadership, Not Mother Nature
Our state’s system of reservoirs and canals was at one time designed to provide a reliable water supply for California homes, businesses, and farms for three or more dry years. Just two years ago, following a slightly above average wet winter, that system was at full capacity. Now, almost every single reservoir is currently below 50% capacity, with several in the 10%-26% percent level, and even the experts are alarmed.
As California’s Fires Burn, Governor Newsom and President Trump Make Nice
The largest wildfire in California history is currently burning in Northern California. A series of lightning strikes ignited 37 fires that merged together. The August Complex Fire exploded in size earlier this week after winds blew flames beyond previously-established control lines, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
More Public Power Safety Shutoffs are Coming in 2020
As reported over the last several days on GovReport, a statewide heatwave, fires in Northern and Southern California, and high winds are forcing California's in state utilities to declare or consider public power safety shutoffs (PSPS), an ability that was granted to the utilities via legislation that was signed by Governor Newsom and regulations that were later approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). As of Monday (9/8), Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), is currently in the midst of a PSPS event for 17 Northern California counties -- an event that could impact as many as 200,000 customers. Late [...]
Commentary: Power-to-Gas Offers an Optimal Path for a Carbon-Free California
California is widely regarded for environmental leadership, especially around clean energy policy. The state has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045. Decarbonizing its electric power sector requires new approaches and ways of thinking to meet carbon reduction goals, all while minimizing land use, emissions, and cost. One promising approach is power-to-gas (PtG) technology.
Electric Public Safety Power Shut-Offs Jeopardize People with Disabilities
Pacific Gas & Electric’s recent power shut-off in Northern California vividly demonstrated the high risk to countless people who rely on life-sustaining equipment and live with chronic conditions. The rushed and unwise implementation of the power shut-off’s jeopardized those with disabilities who rely on power for mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters, for elevator access to their homes and workplaces, and for critical home health equipment, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices for sleep apnea, ventilators and oxygen delivery breathing machines.