California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill extending the state's cap-and-trade program through 2045. The program sets a declining limit on total planet-warming emissions in the state from major polluters. The new law potentially boosts carbon-removal projects and requires the program to align with California's target of achieving so-called carbon neutrality by 2045. Newsom also signed laws to speed up permitting for oil production in Kern County, refill a fund that covers the cost of wildfire damage when utility equipment sparks a blaze and allow the state's grid operator to partner with a regional group to manage power markets in western states.

The Trump administration is investigating delays and cost overruns in California's high-speed rail project. Federal officials say the results of the probe will help them determine whether to rescind about $4 billion awarded to it by the Biden administration. The Transportation Department announced Thursday that the probe will focus on the segment under construction that connects the Central Valley cities of Merced and Bakersfield. Voters in 2008 approved bond money to build a line that would eventually shuttle passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco in less than three hours.