Two major energy-related bills authored by state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park — one that would enable California’s participation in a regional western energy grid and another that would tackle energy affordability for ratepayers — were signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The bills were part of a sweeping energy and climate package designed to address the state’s affordability issues while maintaining its climate goals, including an extension of the state’s cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions as well as legislation to allow oil production in Kern County.
Becker, who chairs the state Senate’s Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee, said getting the legislation enacted was a monumental achievement for the state.
“To get it over the finish line, to finish it, was a huge