“This is a complete course reversal,” said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica advocacy group. “This agency was created to be a cop on the beat, not a kindergarten teacher.”

Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court says consumers are being gouged at the pump by big brand gas companies who manipulated prices.

Oil companies blame Phillips 66 refinery in Carson and Valero’s in Wilmington

Consumer Watchdog, an L.A.-based advocacy group, was quick to lay down a marker:

"A vote on a utility bailout is an existential moment for politicians who have taken utility money, junkets and drinks."

Phantom Auto starts two pilot routes on public streets

Newsom’s report drew a mixed reception. Key lawmakers pledged to work with him, with Senate President Toni Atkins saying legislators will “dive into the details” of the report in the coming weeks. Advocacy group Consumer Watchdog meanwhile said a “PG&E bailout shouldn’t be buried in the fine print of legislative action.”

Ratepayers, insurance customers, may face higher costs due to governor’s plan to address wildfires linked to PG&E and other causes

Consumer Watchdog praised Newsom’s efforts to tackle fire prevention and emergency preparedness but said his proposal “in legislative hands, threatens to take rights and dollars from wildfire victims, ratepayers and taxpayers without forcing PG&E to make tangible concessions.”