Senate Rules Committee approves Nancy Skinner for California Energy Commission on 3-1 vote

The Senate Rules Committee voted 3-1 on May 14 to confirm Nancy Skinner as a commissioner of the California Energy Commission, advancing the nominee to the full California State Senate.

Skinner, a former state legislator, told the committee she views her role at the commission as “implementing your legislative and budget directions,” and outlined priorities including support for California’s transition to zero‑emission vehicles, building and industrial decarbonization, appliance and building efficiency, and the commission’s work with ports. She said the commission’s work should be accessible and that reports and grant solicitations should be written for non‑experts.

Why it matters: Skinner will be assigned a broad portfolio at the commission that touches affordability, grid planning and programs for electrification. Committee members pressed her on near‑term supply concerns for refined fuels, how the commission would use tools in the Petroleum Market Oversight framework, and safety and permitting for battery storage — areas that affect consumer costs, local jobs and public safety.

Discussion and committee questions

Senator Grove, who represents an oil‑producing Central Valley district, questioned Skinner about the impact of state policy on local oil jobs and refineries and disputed a prior Skinner comment that oil companies had been “price gouging.” Grove said California producers cannot set global crude prices and warned that reduced permitting has accelerated loss of local…