California could draw on fossil fuels and weaken environmental reviews to meet surging electricity needs if an energy bill that cleared the Legislature gets signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The measure, AB 205 / SB 122, would use gas power plants and diesel backup generators to prevent power failures, which environmental advocates warned could undercut the state’s emissions goal as it rapidly electrifies. The legislation, advanced Wednesday, lacks fossil fuel limits, putting it at odds with plans unveiled this month by the California Air Resources Board to reduce use of fossil fuels by 91% and reach carbon neutrality by ...