“Lawmakers send Newsom a high-stakes energy overhaul tied to wildfires, utilities and oil” — CalMatters

CalMatters reported that Governor Gavin Newsom closed the legislative year with a sweeping six-bill energy and climate package centered on extending California’s cap-and-trade program, which was rebranded as “cap-and-invest,” through 2045. The bill was touted as a way to ease gas prices and electricity bills while preserving California’s signature climate programs. The two-thirds vote to reauthorize the program, originally set to expire in 2030, was hammered out in backroom talks during the session’s final days. The package expands California’s wildfire fund, approves new oil drilling, and opens the door to a regional power market.

The outlet highlighted the prominent role of the business community in shaping the final deal. The California Chamber of Commerce actively opposed elements of the cap-and-trade extension, while the Western States Petroleum Association ultimately moved to neutrality after initially pushing back. Environmental justice advocates argued the agreement “protects oil and gas companies while leaving nearby low-income communities to bear the health costs of pollution.” Legislative leaders such as Robert Rivas defended the package as balancing climate ambition with economic and political realities.

Read the article from CalMatters: https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/09/climate-change-package-legislature/.