Being such a young organization, it feels a little strange pointing back to things we did in the past, but our long-time followers will remember our Monterey Shale series, released last fall and covering the economic prospects of oil extraction in the formation. Back then we called the projections "too big to believe." This week, however ...

The announcement today that California’s Monterey shale oil deposits can not be recovered with current technology sends a clear message: California should continue to focus its efforts on leading the world in the use of technologies that reduce oil dependence, improve air quality, and help our citizens save money.

Despite previous debunking of a similar piece of research, the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) just released an economic impact study by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAECD), claiming the industry supported nearly half a million direct and indirect jobs and generated $113 billion in economic value in California in 2012.

A group of oil and economic experts today questioned the viability of California’s Monterey Shale oil deposits and encouraged state legislators to proceed with caution as they consider whether to include the Monterey Shale in forecasts of the state’s energy and economic future.

Business Leader and Next Generation co-founder Tom Steyer, geoscientist Dr. David Hughes of the Post Carbon Institute, and Robert Collier, a research fellow with Next Generation, discuss the prospects of developing California's Monterey Shale during a panel in Sacramento.

Next Generation, the Post Carbon Institute, and Physicians, Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy invite you to join a panel discussion on the energy and economic potential of California’s Monterey Shale formation.

Next Generation, the Post Carbon Institute, and Physicians, Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy invite you to join a panel discussion on the energy and economic potential of California’s Monterey Shale formation.

Our Too Small to Fail team passed a major milestone this week with the news that we've garnered over 100,000 likes on Facebook. To celebrate, we're running a giveaway on the Facebook page and soliciting fan photos on with a contest on Twitter and Instagram. And of course we're still providing high-quality, science-based information on early childhood development to parents and caregivers on toosma

In California, we like to go first. Over 60 years ago, we became the first state in the nation to adopt aggressive air pollution regulations, which made us a global leader in protecting human health. You know what else California did first? Adopt some very forward-thinking, pro-family rules regarding paid family leave.

Next Generation continues to examine the economic potential of drilling the Monterey Shale and finds more reports at odds with USC's study projecting millions of new jobs.

America's kids are falling behind. We're hopeful that through efforts like Too Small to Fail, we'll be able to close the gap – but we're not sanguine about what it will take. When you add up the numbers, it's clear that we'll all need to be a part of the solution.

An expert review by some of California’s top economists has found that the oil industry has been inflating its projections of jobs that could be created by a potential new California oil boom.

The oil industry has been inflating its projections of jobs that could be created by a potential new California oil boom, according to independent economists who have reviewed the industry’s research and who say the state should cast a more skeptical eye on claims of a potential new oil boom in the Monterey Shale.

The IPCC gathers this week to approve parts of the 5th assessment report. The EPA issues regulations for new power plants, and Governor Brown signs CA SB 4.

Much of California’s current petroleum output is categorized as heavy or extra-heavy oil, meaning it is more viscous and requires more energy and time to refine into fuel than lighter grades of crude. In many ways, it is similar to the thick “bitumen” petroleum that comprises Alberta’s tar sands.

Predictions for California’s oil industry emissions are also complicated by the lack of clarity about which production methods will be used, and at what depth. Some of these variables could make the Monterey Shale output cleaner than current California crudes, while others would make it dirtier.

California decision makers should ensure that any expansion of oil development in the state is consistent with existing rules aimed at reducing the pollution that causes climate change.

With elected officials and energy experts buzzing about the potential for a major boom in oil production from California’s Monterey Shale, little attention has been given to the risk that a new oil boom could undermine the state’s plans for addressing climate change.

Despite the claims by climate deniers that global warming is slowing down, evidence of the Earth’s rising temperature is ‘irrefutable’ and ‘alarming,’ to quote Secretary of State K

Next Generation researcher Robert Collier investigates the risks of hydrofluoric acid, a chemical which may be the key to unlocking the Monterey Shale and developing its vast oil deposits.

Acidizing is a powerful oil production technique that could lead to an oil boom in California's Monterey Shale, but little is known about its potential risks.

If you knew that offshore fracking was happening in California, you're one step ahead of state officials. There's tons more info our new report on the Monterey Shale.

New report from Next Generation highlights “acidizing,” little-known oil production method that could fuel California oil resurgence

The horrific explosion at Lac-Megantic is unfortunately not an anomaly in the oil business. Despite this tragedy, though, there's also some hopeful news this week.

15.4 billion barrels of oil in the Monterey Shale could set off a new black gold rush in California. Next Generation is exploring the implications for our state's economy and climate.