News

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2026 – California lawmakers plan to keep a closer eye on the state’s leading utility regulator.

A California bill aimed at increasing transparency and oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission’s internal operations is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, after clearing the state Senate on Aug. 31.

A package stamped with the word "recycled" can feel like an easy win for shoppers trying to cut down on waste. But in California, lawmakers are pushing to ensure that labels actually reflect what is in the packages.

If signed into law by Governor Newsom, AB 2253 could make recycled-content claims harder to manipulate and easier for consumers to trust.

Dive Brief:

• A recycled content claims bill in California is on its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom. AB 2253 seeks to tighten standards for recycled content claims made on all products beyond just plastic food containers.
• The bill was sponsored by Californians Against Waste and supported by numerous environmental advocacy groups, including Beyond Plastics, the California Product Stewardship Council and others.

SAN DIEGO — Two California bills designed to limit potential legal challenges to San Diego's proposed Midway Rising redevelopment project are headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom after passing the state Legislature.

Senate Bills 958 and 344 both passed the state Senate unanimously over the weekend. The measures are intended to reduce potential delays related to environmental reviews and building-height requirements for the proposed redevelopment of the former Sports Arena site.

SACRAMENTO — California state lawmakers on Sunday voted to fast-track a San Diego stadium and housing project by helping it avoid lawsuits over its impacts to the environment.

State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-La Mesa) led the push for two bills to help Midway Rising, a project backed by Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke.

The proposed project will replace the decades-old Pechanga Arena, and includes a new 16,000-seat facility, 4,254 homes, including up to 2,000 affordable units, and commercial and outdoor space. The site is south of Mission Bay.

During a July 30 legislative update, staff at the Clean Energy Alliance gave an overview of some of the bills the agency is monitoring in the Legislature that address issues ranging from affordability to future concerns such as the energy that will be required for data centers.

The Legislature has an Aug. 31 deadline to pass bills.

Approximately 70% of California’s coast contains eroding coastal cliffs.

When these cliffs fail, the impacts can range from significant and cause crumbling infrastructure, to deadly when falling rocks pose imminent danger to beachgoers.

But a new study stemming from four years of research at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla offers potential early warning systems that could curb coastal destruction and danger.

Following a four-year study, scientists at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography released a new report to determine if an early warning system could potentially detect a landslide before it happens.

BAD ENERGY: California lawmakers love to talk smack about the state’s power company regulator. Last month, 67 of them turned that talk into votes.

ACA 9, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner’s ballot measure proposal to radically reshape the California Public Utilities Commission, passed the Assembly with an overwhelming majority. That included an “aye” from Speaker Robert Rivas.

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The San Diego City Council passed a set of electronic bike regulations Tuesday intended to improve safety for children and families and reduce reckless riding.

The regulations are subject to a second reading on June 30, but if approved again, they will go into effect 30 days later.

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