California Public Utilities Commission

To erode confidence in public-utility decisions, meet behind closed doors

Steven Weissman, associate director, Center for Law, Energy and the Environment | January 21, 2015

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has an unusual way of doing business. Most state and federal regulatory agencies prohibit private, closed-door discussions with interested parties about contested matters (ex parte communications). Even though it makes decisions affecting the welfare of Californians and the disposition of billions of dollars, the CPUC does not discourage ex … Continue reading »

As oil by rail gains momentum, is California on track to protect human health and the environment?

Jayni Foley Hein, former director, Center for Law, Energy & the Environment | March 31, 2014

California will soon see a surge in the number of trains carrying crude oil into the state, as oil production in North Dakota’s Bakken region and Canada continues to increase, sending more crude to California refineries. Last week, the California Senate Environmental Quality Committee and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the safety of … Continue reading »