California Moves Forward on Western Energy Market

California just took a major step toward a more resilient and affordable clean energy future. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 825, authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, enabling the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to work with other western states to create a shared electricity trading market. The move could save the western region partnership up to $1.2 billion annually, including $309 million for California alone, enhance grid reliability, reduce carbon emissions by almost 3 million tons per year, and speed the integration of renewable energy across state lines.

The Bay Area Council proudly supported AB 825, recognizing its potential to strengthen California’s clean energy leadership while advancing practical regional collaboration. We were honored to have Assemblymember Petrie-Norris join a recent delegation we led to Illinois to learn about nuclear power and the role it can play in meeting California’s growing energy needs. Her leadership on AB 825 reflects the innovative, solutions-driven spirit needed to build a cleaner, more connected energy future for California and the West.