Boiling Point

The Great Rooftop Solar Debate

California’s fight over rooftop solar has divided climate advocates, pitting solar companies against economists and regulators. In this episode, two leading voices—Brad Heavner and Severin Borenstein—debate whether the state’s decision to slash rooftop solar incentives was a mistake or a necessary reform.Read Sammy Roth’s recent Boiling Point column, “California’s rooftop solar infighting is a colossal waste of time”:<a href="https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-03-06/column-californias-rooftop-solar-infighting-is-a-colossal-waste-of-time-boiling-point">https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-03-06/column-californias-rooftop-solar-infighting-is-a-colossal-waste-of-time-boiling-point</a>

Climate change is battering California. Can the state find a way forward? Listen every Thursday as award-winning L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth dives deep with scientists, energy leaders, legislators, activists and journalists who are experts on today's climate challenges and solutions. They’ll discuss everything from electric cars to renewable energy to the difficulties of phasing out fossil fuels. 

Sammy has been reporting on climate and energy in California and the American West for over a decade, touring sprawling solar farms, coal-fired power plants and hilltops blanketed with wind turbines. He’s focused on telling stories that challenge public officials and energy companies to do better.