California

The conclusion of California’s Legislative session saw the adoption of ambitious new climate and energy legislation—including laws to set interim targets for 100% clean energy, regulate projects to remove carbon from the atmosphere and smokestacks, and approve buffer zones for new oil wells near communities.  The aforementioned coincides with much of the State experiencing the dire effects of climate change and the health and resilience challenges wrought by extreme heat and wildfires.

VX News excerpts the latest study from Next 10 and the Pacific Institute on the Future of California's Water-Energy-Climate Nexus. Further finding that climate change-fueled droughts are likely to further increase water-related energy use and carbon emissions, the study offers recommendations for reducing water, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with managing California's water supply.

Lt. Gov. Kounalakis and Minister Hong Zhu emphasize the value of continued openness and cooperation between China and California as trade tensions with the US remain unresolved.

At VerdeXchange 2019, leaders in California's blue economy discuss the rich economic and scientific opportunities of ocean innovation.

California Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom spoke about building an innovation economy, rapidly advancing transportation technologies, addressing the volatility of the tax system, and protecting California’s role as a leader on environmental protection.

Former California State Controller and investor Steve Westly addressed the VerdeXchange 2018 Conference to illustrate how the new Internet of Things data-driven economy is evolving from the oil and auto industry economy, lifting innovation to irreversible heights around the globe. Westly explains how California is playing a crucial leadership role.

After five years of leading the embattled authority in charge of implementing the California High Speed Rail project, Jeff Morales joins VX News for an exit interview to provide some insights on the future of the transformative rail network.