The Observer: Way Past Time For Windfal Tax On Oil Companies
Editorial by Editorial Board, UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL
October 9, 2022
https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2022/10/09/the-observer-way-past-time…
You could say it’s about time but Gov. Gav Newsom finally on Friday, Sept. 30, called for a windfall tax on oil companies who’ve been ripping off Californians for decades, but especially in the past year.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Governor’s Call For Special Session On Gasoline Price Gouging
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today applauded Governor Newsom for calling a special session of the legislature to deal with price gouging at the gas pump and endorsing a windfall profits tax.
Newsom Calls Special Session On California’s High Gas Prices
By Dustin Gardiner, SAN FRANCSICO CHRONICLE
October 7, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Newsom-calls-special-sessi…
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he plans to call a special legislative session to confront California’s high gas prices, including his proposal to create a windfall tax on the profits of oil companies.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Watchdog Urges Gov Newsom To Follow Through On Windfall Profits Tax On Oil Refiners
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
October 6, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog urges Governor Newsom to follow through and push the State Legislature to reconvene to pass a windfall profits tax on greedy oil refiners ripping off Californians at the gas pump.
KQED 88.5 FM San Francisco, CA: Calls Grow For Special Session of CA Legislature To Pass Windfall Profits Tax On Big Oil
By Tara Siler, KQED 88.5 FM San Francisco, CA
October 6, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog urges Gov Newsom to call the CA State Legislature back for a special session to pass a windfall profits tax on Big Oil.
Gov. Newsom Considers Special Legislative Session In Response To Rising Gas Prices
By Ashley Zavala, KCRA NBC TV-3 Sacramento, CA
October 6, 2022
https://www.kcra.com/article/gov-newsom-considers-special-legislative-s…
SAN FRANCISCO — Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering calling state lawmakers back to Sacramento for a special session in response to rising gas prices.
California Oil Refiners’ Windfall Profits Require A Windfall Profits Tax To Bring Gas Prices Under Control, Consumer Watchdog Report Shows
Los Angeles, CA — Pointing to windfall profits reported by California oil refiners to their investors, Consumer Watchdog issued a report showing that a windfall profits tax is needed to bring California gas prices under control and outlining how to structure the tax.
California Gas Prices Hit Record Highs. But Relief May Be Coming. Here's Why
By Janet Wilson, THE DESERT SUN
October 5, 2022
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2022/10/05/california-gas-pump-pri…
Gas prices at the pump hit record highs in many parts of California on Wednesday, with greater Los Angeles seeing an unprecedented average of $6.49 per gallon for regular. Prices at some Southern California locations hit more than $8 per gallon.
Supply Squeeze Prompts Record Gas Prices
By Matthew Hall, SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS
October 4, 2022
https://smdp.com/2022/10/04/supply-squeeze-prompts-record-gas-prices/
Average gasoline prices in Los Angeles have risen 63.4 cents per gallon in the last week, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 2,135 stations in Los Angeles. Prices in Los Angeles are $1.08 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.93 per gallon higher than a year ago.
Oil Company Extortion in California as Consumers Pay Twice as Much Per Gallon as the Rest of the Country
By Ian Masters, BACKGROUND BRIEFING
October 3, 2022
Click here to listen to this podcast.
Then with consumers in California paying twice as much per gallon as the rest of the country because refineries are producing less without explaining why, we look into what Governor Newsom is describing as extortion with the five refiners ripping off the public while making more money for delivering less product.
KNBC TV-4 Los Angeles, CA: Southern California Gas Prices are Breaking Records — Again
By John Cadiz Klemack and Maggie More, KNBC TV-4 Los Angeles, CA
October 3, 2022
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/southern-california-gas-prices…
It's a record that drivers in Southern California were hoping would stay unbroken: gas prices are now at all-time highs in Los Angeles County and Riverside County.
San Diego Gas Prices Hit Record High. You’re Paying $2 More Than A Year Ago
Gov. Newsom wants Legislature to impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies.
By Rob Nikolewski, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
October 3, 2022
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2022-10-03/san-dieg…
As Gas Prices Soar, State On Brink Of Sending Rebates
By Emily Hoeven, CALMATTERS
September 30, 2022
https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2022/09/california-gas-t…
Remember when Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers struck a deal a couple of months ago to send millions of California taxpayers between $200 and $1,050 to help cover the rising cost of living?
Newsom Relaxes Refinery Rules As California Gas Prices Soar
By Kathleen Ronanyne, ASSOCIATED PRESS
September 30, 2022
https://apnews.com/article/business-california-gavin-newsom-prices-clim…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced that oil refineries could start selling more polluting winter-blend gasoline ahead of schedule to ease soaring fuel prices, directly contradicting his own goals for reducing climate pollutants.
Empty Wine and Liquor Bottles Will Be Worth 10 Cents Each In California, Under New Recycling Law
Newsom signs measure environmental groups have urged since 1980s to reduce litter
By Paul Rogers, BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
September 28, 2022
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/09/28/empty-wine-and-liquor-bottles-w…
Just polished off a nice Chardonnay? A glass of Pinot with dinner? A mango margarita even?
KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA: High Gas Prices In CA Are Caused By Oil Refiners Causing Outages
By Cherry Glazer, KCRW 89.9FM NPR Santa Monica, CA
September 28, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court explains how the huge difference in CA gas prices vs the rest of the country is due to oil refiners causing outages so they can raise prices artificially.
KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA: Oil Refiners Are Causing Outages So They Can Raise Gas Prices
By Staff Reporters, KNX 1070AM Los Angeles, CA
September 28, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog tells KNX how the big 5 oil refiners who own 90% of business in California are purposely causing outages so they can jack up gas prices.
CONSUMER WATCHDOG ASKS NEWSOM FOR A SPECIAL SESSION ON GAS PRICES
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
September 28, 2022
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article26…
As California continues to struggle with high gas prices, one advocacy group is calling on the governor to convene a special session on the subject.
Newly Signed Law to Expand Statewide Recycling Rebate Program Loaded With Pork
‘The amended bill added $400 millions in grants ‘for major corporations that don’t need it’
By Evan Symon, CALIFORNIA GLOBE
September 29, 2022
https://californiaglobe.com/articles/newly-signed-law-to-expand-statewi…
Consumer Watchdog Asks Governor Newsom To Call Special Session To Deal with Pain at Pump
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today asked California Governor Gavin Newsom to call a special session of the California legislature to address the unprecedented, nearly $2 per gallon extra Californians are paying at the pump as opposed to US drivers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Good Government Bill To Close State Agency Lobbying Loophole
Los Angeles, CA -- Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1783 to close a loophole in state law that allowed former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez to influence decision-making at the Department of Insurance without registering as a lobbyist.
As CA Gasoline Prices Rise, Gov. Newsom Has A Chance To Get To The Bottom Of Why, Consumer Watchdog Says
Los Angeles, CA — California’s gas prices at the pump are rising yet again just as gas prices are falling everywhere else, and the time has come to find out why, Consumer Watchdog said today.
According to the most recent report from the federal Energy Information Agency, California is now paying $1.49 more per gallon for gasoline than US drivers.
Consumer Watchdog Unveils Top 10 Signs of California’s Shattered Bottle Deposit System, Urges Governor To Act Fast To Fix It
Los Angeles, CA -- With two weeks left in the legislative session, Consumer Watchdog today urged Governor Newsom to reform a hopelessly shattered bottle deposit system via a budget trailer bill as the group unveiled the top 10 signs of the system’s collapse.
2nd Quarter Permits To Fix Oil Wells Skyrocket As Groups Urge Newsom To Mandate Plugging Old Leaky Wells To Protect Public Health
Los Angeles, CA — State approvals for permits to fix or deepen existing oil wells skyrocketed in the second quarter by 124% over the same time last year, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance said today. Some of the permit approvals by the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) are for idle wells and wells that barely produce, and both types can leak deadly methane and other harmful pollutants.
Malpractice Damage Limit To Rise
By Bob Egelko, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
May 24, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Newsom-signs-compromise-law…
California's $250,000 limit on damages for pain and suffering caused by medical malpractice, a ceiling enacted by lawmakers in 1975 at the insistence of doctors and insurers, will be lifted next year.
Governor Newsom Signs Historic Legislation to Restore Patient Access to Justice, Update 47-Year-Old Medical Malpractice Damage Cap
VIDEO AVAILABLE: HD Video of Medical Malpractice Survivors’ Press Conference Commenting on Bill Available Here: https://youtu.be/sC6Gz0onikA
Newsom Signs Bill Reforming Medical Malpractice Awards
By Madison Hirneisen, THE CENTER SQUARE
May 23, 2022
https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/newsom-signs-bill-reforming-…
(The Center Square) – Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Monday that raises limits on the amount of money patients can win in some medical malpractice cases, avoiding a likely ballot initiative in November.
California Gets New Rules Covering Medical Malpractice Payments. Here’s What Will Change
By Melody Gutierrez, LOS ANGELES TIMES
May 23, 2022
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-23/california-new-rule…
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Monday to raise the amount of money that patients can receive in medical malpractice cases, increasing pain and suffering payments for the first time since lawmakers placed a cap on monetary damages nearly five decades ago.
California To Raise Medical Malpractice Caps After 47 Years
By Victoria Colliver, POLITICO PRO
May 23, 2022
Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a bill to update California's medical malpractice damage cap, ending a long-fought battle to adjust the pain-and-suffering limit that has remained unchanged for 47 years.
"After decades on negotiations, legislators, patient groups, and medical professionals have reached a consensus that protects patients and the stability of our health care system," Newsom said in a statement following the bill's signing, which was not public.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: Consumer Advocates Applaud Newsom Signing Bill Raising Medical Malpractice Damages Cap in California
By Emily Valdez, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
May 22, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Jamie Court, President of Consumer Watchdog, applauding Governor Newsom signing AB 35 which will raise the medical malpractice damages cap in California.
Advocates and Victims' Families Look Forward To Gov. Newsom Signing Med Mal Cap Reform Bill
By Staff Reports, KCRW 89.9FM Santa Monica, CA
May 19, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio news broadcast segment.
Advocates and victims' families look forward to Governor Newsom signing AB 35 into law to raise the cap on medical malpractice damages in California after nearly 50 years.
Victims of Medical Malpractice Could Win More In Damages Under New Deal Reached By California Lawmaker
By Bob Egelko, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
April 27, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Victims-of-medical-malpract…
Consumer advocates, physicians and legislative leaders announced a long-sought agreement Wednesday to rewrite change a 1975 California law that placed a $250,000 limit on damages for pain and suffering caused by medical malpractice.
Medical Malpractice Deal Could Replace Ballot Measure, Still Raise Monetary Awards
By Ana B. Ibarra and Kristen Hwang, CALMATTERS
April 27, 2022
https://calmatters.org/health/2022/04/medical-malpractice-california-de…
A measure slated for California’s November ballot that sought to raise the cap on medical malpractice awards could be pulled, under an agreement announced today.
Sacramento Reaches MICRA Deal
By Victoria Colliver, POLITICO PRO
April 27, 2022
California’s nearly 50-year-old medical malpractice compensation limits may soon be increased as part of a deal announced Wednesday that could end a decadeslong fight that’s pitted doctors and insurance companies against patients and families seeking justice in the courtroom for wrongful injuries or deaths.
Patients Embrace Legislative Deal to Update Malpractice Cap, Forestall Ballot Fight on Fairness for Injured Patients Act in November
Los Angeles, CA - The California families harmed by medical negligence who launched the Patients for Fairness coalition (http://www.patientsforfairness.org) responded favorably to news of a potential legislative deal to raise the 47 year old cap on medical malpractice damages. The families said the legislation would eliminate the need for the Fairness for Injured Patients Act to go before voters in November 2022.
Newsom Unveils Bottle Recycling Plan
By Dustin Gardiner, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
April 6, 2022
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Newsom-proposal-California…
SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration unveiled a $330 million proposal Friday that aims to breathe new life into California's ailing bottle deposit program by opening up thousands more locations where consumers can redeem empty bottles and cans for their nickel and dime deposits.
Florida and California Consider Changes That Could 'Decimate The Rooftop Solar Market,' Experts Say
By Ben Adler, YAHOO NEWS
February 2, 2022
https://www.yahoo.com/news/florida-and-california-consider-changes-that…
California and Florida are considering revoking a policy that has encouraged homeowners to install rooftop solar panels — causing fear among solar panel owners and installers, and creating divisions in the environmental community.
Newsom’s Big Choice: Single Payer Or His Insurance Donors?
California’s governor is caught between his campaign pledge and the health care companies that bankroll him.
By Walker Bragman , THE DAILY POSTER
January 28, 2022
https://www.dailyposter.com/newsoms-big-choice-single-payer-or-his-insu…
New Analysis Reveals Fossil Fuel Industry's Job Claims Are 'Wildly Inaccurate' In California, U.S.
By Dan Bacher, ELK GROVE NEWS
January 27, 2022
http://www.elkgrovenews.net/2022/01/new-analysis-reveals-fossil-fuel.html
The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), the most powerful corporate lobbying group in Sacramento, claims that there are 368,000 jobs in the oil industry in California.
CA Crosses Line Of 10,000 Oil Drilling Permits Issued Since Newsom Took Office, Groups Urge Newsom To Cease All Permitting
Los Angeles, CA —As the LA City Council votes today to ban oil and gas wells, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance reported that Governor Newsom has approved 10,212 oil drilling permits since he assumed office in 2019. The total is nearly identical to the number of permits Governor Jerry Brown approved in his first three years.
If Newsom Blesses CPUC Plan To Charge Consumers Solar Tax, He Will Kill Rooftop Solar Across The Country, Consumer Watchdog Says
Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog said today that Governor Newsom firmly reject most of a proposed net metering decision before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) if he wants to claim the mantle of a climate leader.
“Look up,” the group wrote in a letter to Newsom. “Rooftop solar and battery storage today is the most progressive way forward to help the working and middle class afford energy, decrease wear and tear on the existing, centralized grid, ensure the growth of renewable energy, and provide energy security.
Critics Say Newsom's Proposed 2022-23 Budget 'Falls Short' on Confronting Fossil Fuels
By Dan Bacher, DAILY KOS
January 11, 2022
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/1/11/2073926/-Critics-Say-Newsom-…
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on January 10 unveiled his 2022-23 state budget proposal including a $45.7 billion budget surplus, receiving both criticism and praise from environmental and climate advocates.
Newsom Names Energy Adviser As State's Top Utility Regulator
By Kathleen Ronayne, ASSOCIATED PRESS
November 22, 2021
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/newsom-names-energy-adviser-as-state-…
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has named his senior adviser on energy policy as the next president of the powerful state body that regulates utilities.
CA Permit Approvals For New Well Drills Are Down 64% For The First Six Months; Consumer Watchdog Urges Governor To Seize Golden Opportunity To Move From Fossil Fuels
Los Angeles, CA — Permit approvals to drill or rework new oil wells fell by 64% in the first six months of 2021 over the same period last year, giving Governor Newsom an excellent opening to more decisively transition off of fossil fuels, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance said today. The number of permit applications filed by oil and gas companies also fell by 52%.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Oil Regulator’s Denial Of Aera Fracking Permits
Los Angeles, CA—The denial by the California Geologic Energy Management Division of 21 Aera Energy fracking permits is a win for public health and the environment, Consumer Watchdog said today.
“We applaud the Newsom Administration for finally using its discretion to deny Area destructive and dangerous fracking permits,” consumer advocate Liza Tucker said today. “This step is in concert with Governor Newsom’s goal of banning all fracking by 2024, though we believe that a ban across the board should be immediate.”
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Fracking Ban, Calls For More Steps As First Quarter 2021 Oil Permit Approvals Plunge
Los Angeles, CA — Governor Newson’s ban on fracking in 2024 is a step in the right direction, and with the number of permit approvals falling dramatically so far this year, he has a perfect opening to take even stronger steps, Consumer Watchdog said today.
Groups Call On Gov to Modernize Bottle Bill
By Andrew Sheeler, SACRAMENTO BEE - CAPITOL ALERT
March 8, 2021
https://www.sacbee.com/article249724333.html
Representatives from 10 groups have written a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom urging him to modernize California’s beverage recycling program.
Consumer Watchdog Calls on Gov. Newsom to Withdraw Nomination of Dr. Richard Thorp, Former Head of the Doctors’ Lobby, to Board Charged with Protecting Patient Safety
Sacramento, CA – Consumer Watchdog renewed its call for Governor Gavin Newsom to withdraw the nomination of Dr. Richard Thorp, former president of the doctors’ lobby, to the Medical Board of California.
CA Permits To Drill New Oil And Gas Production Wells Rose 160%, While New Wells Actually Drilled Plummets To 60;
Los Angeles, CA — Oil companies received 160% more oil production drilling permits in the first nine months of 2020 over the year before, but the number of oil wells drilled in California has slowed to a trickle, Consumer Watchdog and the FracTracker Alliance said today. The two groups updated the permit numbers and locations on an interactive map at the website: http://www.NewsomWellWatch.com.
Gov Dined Unmasked With Head of Doctors Lobby And Lobbyist At French Laundry
Los Angeles, CA -- Charles Johnson, husband of a black woman who died in childbirth and a patients’ rights leader, was terribly disappointed at pictures showing Governor Gavin Newsom at the infamous
Fracking In California Gets Green Light After 9-Month Pause; Aera Energy Receives Permits
By Janet Wilson, THE DESERT SUN
April 3, 2020
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2020/04/03/calgem-appr…
California regulators on Friday issued fracking permits for the first time in nine months, saying federal scientists had given clearance for 24 permits to Aera Energy for oil well stimulation in Kern County.
Rally At State Of The State Calls On Newsom To Phase Out Oil Production
By Dan Bacher, INDY BAY MEDIA
February 22, 2020
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/02/22/18830901.php
On the morning of February 19, activists from groups affiliated with the Last Chance Alliance held a spirited rally on the sidewalk outside the west steps of the Capitol just before Governor Newsom delivered his State of the State address.
Number Of Oil And Gas Well Permits Issued By Newsom Administration In 2019 Rivals Number Issued In Gov. Jerry Brown’s Last Year In Office
Los Angeles, CA—The total number of oil and gas well permits issued in 2019 under the Newsom Administration rivals the number issued in 2018 during the last year in office of former Governor Jerry Brown, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance reported today. The Newsom Administration issued just 1% fewer permits for a total of 4,545 versus 4,590 for all of 2018.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Departure of Another Regulator Who Protected Big Oil As Hopeful Sign Of Major Reform Under Gov. Newsom
Los Angeles, CA - Consumer Watchdog hailed the imminent departure of the Department of Conservation’s Chief Deputy Director, widely seen as an impediment to environmental reform, as a sign that Governor Newsom plans to overhaul the way oil and gas is regulated in the state.
Thirty-Seven Groups Urge Newsom to Halt New Fossil Fuel Drilling, Close Aliso Canyon
By Dan Bacher, INDY BAY MEDIA
January 9, 2020
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2020/01/09/18829591.php
Sacramento - On the anniversary of Governor Gavin Newsom’s first year in office on January 7, thirty-seven environmental and public health groups called on the governor to declare an “immediate climate emergency” and institute a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling permits.
Consumer Watchdog Welcomes Resignation of CalRecycle Director, Recycling Agency Shakeup
Los Angeles, CA—Consumer Watchdog welcomed the resignation today of the CalRecycle Director as a first step in overhauling the troubled agency in charge of the state’s failing bottle deposit system. CAL-EPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld confirmed the resignation to Consumer Watchdog this afternoon.
Newsom Freezes New Fracking Permits In California & Slows Rate of Oil Well Approvals Since Summer; 2019 State Oil Well Permits Still Outpace 2018
Los Angeles, CA—Since mid-July, state regulators have not issued a new permit for fracking or acidizing in California and have slowed the overall rate of permitting oil wells. Nonetheless, state regulators have granted oil permits at a pace that is 8.8% greater in the first ten months of 2019 than in the same period last year under Governor Jerry Brown, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance said today based on an analysis of state data.
California Governor Gavin Newsom Has Ordered An Investigation Into Soaring Gas Prices In The State
Californians consistently pay a dollar to a dollar fifty more for our gasoline and there`s no good reason for it.
By Anne-Marie Green, CBS NEWS
October 28, 2019
ANNE-MARIE GREEN: And California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into soaring gas prices in the state. Carter Evans reports.
(Begin VT)
CARTER EVANS: Eye-popping prices at the pump are a harsh reality for Californians.
What’s Behind The ‘Mystery Surcharge’ At Some California Gas Stations?
By Rob Nikolewski, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
October 23, 2019
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/story/2019-1…
Every California motorist knows that gasoline is expensive in the Golden State. Taxes and fees on the state and federal levels account for more than 80 cents per gallon at the pump.
Why Are California Gas Prices So High? Gov. Newsom Launches Investigation To Find Out
By Staff Reporters, KCBS TV-2/KCAL TV-9 Los Angeles, CA
October 22, 2019
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2019/10/22/why-are-california-gas-price…
WEST LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Ever wondered why California’s gas prices were so high compared to the rest of the country?
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.
Newsom Appoints Two Top Oil And Gas Regulators, Including A Former Chevron Staffer
By Dan Bacher, INDY BAY MEDIA
October 20, 2019
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2019/10/20/18827485.php
The appointments of Shabazian and Ntuk come in the wake of increased opposition by environmental justice, conservation and public interest groups to the expansion of onshore and offshore drilling in California under Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom.
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.
Consumer Watchdog Urges Governor To Take Urgent Steps On Recycling
Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog today urged Governor Newsom to crack down on the state’s recycling regulator CalRecycle and to take urgent steps that save the state’s bottle deposit program in the long and short term.
“The closure of the largest recycling chain in the state, rePlanet, has cut the number of recycling centers available to Californians in half over the last six years,” Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court wrote in a letter to Governor Newsom. “CalRecycle has long known about these problems, but it has failed to act.
California’s Biggest Bottle Redemption Center Chain Closes
Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog said the closure of the largest operator of bottle redemption centers in the state, rePlanet, today requires the Governor to prioritize recycling reform in the coming months. rePlanet closed its last 284 centers today, leaving consumers with few places to receive bottle and can deposit refunds.
Consumer Watchdog called for CALRecycle, the state agency in charge of recycling, to immediately require every grocery and convenience store chain to begin redeeming bottles and cans.
Gov Newsom Fires Top Oil Regulator & Institutes Sweeping Ethics Review of Agency In Response To Watchdog Report of Conflicts
Los Angeles, CA – Consumer Watchdog today thanked Governor Gavin Newsom for firing the state’s top oil and gas supervisor and instituting an ethics review of the state’s oil well approval and inspection process in response to its recent report of conflicts at the agency and request.
Watchdogs Call For Resignations & Permit Freeze As California Oil Regulators Approve Surge In Well Permits While Personally Invested In Oil Companies
Los Angeles, CA -- A review of state conflict of interest forms shows that eight regulators managing the state’s oil and gas well approval and inspection process have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in the oil companies they regulate. One of the regulators is among the top three in command at the State’s Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR).
Consumer Watchdog Urges Immediate Budget Fix to Save CA Recycling Program; In Crisis After Grocers Kill Life Line For Centers In Legislature
Los Angeles, CA—Consumer Watchdog has asked the Newsom Administration to avert the closure of more recycling centers that redeem empty glass, aluminum, and plastic beverage containers by funding centers long enough to reform the container deposit system.
California’s gas prices are ‘pure highway robbery.’ Let’s get our money back.
From The Sacramento Bee
Californians now pay an extra $1.17 per gallon at the gas pump more than other Americans. Three to four dimes per gallon may be attributed to higher taxes, carbon credits and environmental issues.
Consumer Watchdog Applauds Governor Newsom’s Energy Commission Report Taking on Gas Price Manipulation
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog said today that the California Energy Commission under Governor Gavin Newsom is finally taking steps to confront artificially high gasoline prices in California by acknowledging the role of oil refiners' supply and retail price manipulation in sky-high pump prices.
Consumer and Recycling Advocates Condemn Loss of Last Recycling Center West of 405 Freeway
Santa Monica, CA --- At the site of the soon-to-be shuttered Santa Monica Community Recycling Center, consumer advocates called on California lawmakers and regulators to rescue the failing redemption industry. The center, closing Saturday, is the last redemption center west of the 405, serving 200,000 people on LA's Westside.
Consumer Watchdog: Victims, Taxpayers and Ratepayers Shouldn’t Be Forced To Pay For Felon’s Negligence Under PG&E Bailout Plan
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog said today that a California wildfire victims’ relief fund could be important, but that the proposal put forth today by Governor Newsom, in legislative hands, threatens to take rights and dollars from wildfire victims, ratepayers and taxpayers without forcing PG&E to make tangible concessions.
Consumer Watchdog: PG&E is No Victim, Governor Newsom Should Appoint Tough Regulator
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog said today that PG&E prematurely filed bankruptcy protection to drive a political bailout of the company and gain leverage over what and when it pays victims of fires it started. Bankruptcy could delay what victims receive from the company for its negligence for years.
