Cleaner/Cheaper Energy
PG&E Spent $876,445 On Lobbying From Jan. 1 To June 30 - After Spending Nearly $10 Million In 2018
By Dan Bacher, INDYBAY MEDIA
October 31, 2019
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2019/10/31/18827743.php
The Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), again in the spotlight of the national and international news media because of its shutoffs of electricity to millions of Californians as fires now rage throughout the state, spent $876,445 on lobbying from January 1 to June 30 of his year.
10 Years Of California Blackouts? Gavin Newsom Says This Is ‘Not The New Normal’
By Hannah Wiley and Dale Kasler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
October 30, 2019
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article23…
As California’s largest utility, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, battled bankruptcy and prepared for another round of mass power outages across the state, the company’s executive said Californians should expect to see fire-preventing blackouts for the next 10 years.
PG&E Will Credit Customers Subject To Oct. 9 Blackouts, But Not Current Ones
By J.D. Morris and Trapper Byrne, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
October 29, 2019
https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/PG-E-will-cred…
Bowing to pressure from Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. will provide some form of compensation to people affected by widely criticized mass power outages the utility implemented earlier this month.
Newsom Wants Inquiry Into Gas Prices
By John Myers, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
October 22, 2019
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday asked the state attorney general to investigate whether California's leading oil and gas suppliers are involved in price-fixing or other unfair practices related to high pump prices.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Newsom Call for AG Action on CA Gas Price Gouging
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog said today that a new state report finding that major oil companies are overcharging their own stations in order to gouge California consumers vindicates the analysis that it has made since 2015 and requires new state laws to protect drivers.
The nonprofit nonpartisan consumer group applauded Governor Newsom’s call for an investigation and possible prosecution by the California Attorney General into the problem.
Gasoline Gouging 9.0: Same As Earlier Editions
Op-Ed Column by Thomas Elias, CHICO ENTERPRISE-RECORD
October 14, 2019
https://www.chicoer.com/2019/10/14/gasoline-gouging-9-0-same-as-earlier…
For the ninth time in the last five years, gasoline prices spiked this fall in California, with per-gallon pump charges briefly leaping above $5.15 at many stations around the state.
Fair Political Practices Commission Investigates Two Oil Regulators For Conflict Of Interest After Consumer Watchdog Complaint
Los Angeles-- The Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating two regulators at the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources for conflicts of interests raised in a July complaint by Consumer Watchdog.
CA Leg Compromise Gets $10 Million More For Recycling Centers, Small Exemption for Grocers
Sacramento, CA — Amendments to AB 54 (Ting) last night freed $5 million for beleaguered consumer recycling centers, seeming to seal what appears to be a short-term band-aid for recycling center problems until a larger solution is developed next year. AB 54 already provided $5 million for mobile recycling and a short few months exemption for grocers affected by August recycling center closures that would otherwise have to redeem bottle and can deposits earlier.
Grocers Launch Last-Week-Of-Session Attack on Bottle Deposit Law
Seek Exemption From Recycling Responsibilities As Consumers Turn To Stores For Deposits
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today condemned eleventh-hour legislation by Senator Steve Glazer, SB 643, that would exempt thousands of grocery stores statewide from the obligation to recycle consumers’ bottles and cans and return their five and ten cent deposits. The bill was amended Saturday to be heard during the last five days of the legislative session.
