Steve Hilton. (Photo: Steve Hilton for Governor)
Steve Hilton Calls for Removal of Nancy Skinner and Plans to Abolish California Energy Commission
He also renewed his pledge to eliminate the CEC entirely
By Katy Grimes, August 20, 2026 5:42 pm
Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is calling for the removal of Nancy Skinner from the California Energy Commission (CEC), arguing that she is not qualified for the commission seat intended for an engineering or scientific expert. He also renewed his pledge to eliminate the CEC entirely as part of his broader effort to streamline state government and reduce bureaucratic waste.
A bill to regulate car tires was passed by the California Legislature 20 years ago but never implemented, the Globe reported.
Assembly Bill 844 “directs the California Energy Commission to adopt a Replacement Tire Efficiency Program to ensure replacement tires for passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in California are at least as energy-efficient as the tires sold as original equipment on new vehicles.”
Skinner justified the decision by the California Energy Commission “we regulate appliances, tires are kind of like that.”
As the Globe explained, California Energy Commissioner Skinner wants to restrict car tires because they can’t ban cars. Then we reminded readers that Nancy Skinner is the same lawmaker who tried to ban bullets when she couldn’t ban your guns.
Hilton continues:
The CEC plays a central role in decisions affecting energy policy, grid reliability, power plant approvals, and energy infrastructure. Hilton argues that the seat Skinner occupies was created to provide technical expertise on those issues and that appointing a career politician undermines the purpose of the position.
“If we’re serious about fixing California’s energy challenges, we need people with the right qualifications making these decisions,” Hilton said.
State law requires one member of the commission to have a background in engineering or physical science and knowledge of energy supply or conversion systems. Skinner’s background includes degrees in environmental studies and education, along with a career focused primarily on elected office, policy advocacy, and legislative work.
During her May 2025 Senate confirmation hearing, Skinner acknowledged that she did not possess “that type of scientific expertise” (32:10) and said quantitative work was “not my forte.” Hilton argues her credentials and testimony make clear she lacks the merit for a seat intended to help evaluate issues such as grid reliability, energy infrastructure, and power plant approvals.
Hilton said the decision reflects a broader Sacramento culture where political connections take precedence over qualifications.
The Globe reported:
Former State Senator Nancy Skinner, a Democrat from Berkeley (redundant, right?), was confirmed by the Senate in May 2025 for an appointment to the California Energy Commission. Nominated by Governor Gavin Newsom for the California Energy Commission, Skinner was an institution in the California Legislature, having served since 2008, and known for supporting some of the most radical policies: pro-abortion any time in the pregnancy, global warming, climate change and radical environmentalism. Skinner even authored SB 345 which provides legal protections for medication abortions and “gender-affirming care” – dangerous, irreversible hormone treatments for gender-confused “trans” persons.
“The people of California are being asked to trust decisions that affect their daily lives and economic future,” Hilton said. “That trust depends on competence, credibility, and adherence to the rules, not on insider status and political convenience.”
Under Hilton’s plan, the commission’s functions would be consolidated with the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the remaining functions of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to streamline oversight and reduce duplication. If the Legislature refuses to approve those reforms, Hilton said he would pursue defunding the agency and require lawmakers to publicly vote on whether it should continue to exist.
The Globe approves of Steve Hilton’s plan.
A California native and Navy mom, Katy lives in Sacramento, CA.
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Hes got my vote, Sounds like a plan to me. Vote Steve Hilton!!!. Please.
This voter also supports Steve Hilton’s plan, and Steve Hilton himself, along with Herb Morgan for Controller and Michael Gates for Attorney General .
Unfortunately we can’t vote for Stacy Korsgaden for Insurance Commissioner but hopefully Hilton, Morgan and Gates can right the floundering state ship of California before it completely sinks under Democrat MISMANAGEMENT fraud and corruption!!!
and send “E.T.” Skinner back to Beserkeley where she can run for HOA President…
The CEC needs to be dumped NOW!
You won’t even be able to purchase the same tires your car came with new, which would alter the performance, handling, braking and ride of the car. All of the work the engineers did to perfect the tires that came with your car is thrown out the window.
The new California Energy Commission rule can prevent buyers from purchasing the exact same replacement tires that came with their car. The regulations, which take effect in phases starting in 2029 and tightening in 2033, require replacement tires to meet average energy efficiency standards that often exceed the specifications of original equipment (OE) tires.
Drivers may find that their original tire model becomes ineligible for sale in California once the standards fully apply. Industry groups like the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association have highlighted this as a major concern, noting that a driver with a new car might be unable to buy the same tire if it fails to meet the new efficiency thresholds.
While the rule includes exemptions for certain categories like competition, winter, and off-road tires, many standard passenger car tires may be phased out. Consequently, consumers may be forced to choose alternative brands or models that meet the new rolling resistance limits, potentially resulting in a different tire experience than the original factory fitment.
I am so sick of this Commie California BS.
CARB needs to be dumped as well.
I thought Margaret Hamilton died in 1985?
you somehow has three more four more months he can still do a lot of damage that not his minions and Steve can’t get in. We are totally screwed. I mean worse than Detroit cause they went after the entertainment industry the technology and some I’m not even noticed Disney iron is doing the Lakers. It’s like it’s a meal in the coffin. Everything will be gone. Everything will be gone and the weather is not good enough to stay here after everything has been ruined. Unfortunately, our kids are so screwed they won’t have their freedom. They creativity and the knowledge and the intelligence that can we g gun at school. That we have.
“we regulate appliances, tires are kind of like that.”. I wasn’t a part of this experiment or looking at the physical science behind these tires but if Nancy skinner thinks that tires are just about equal to my toaster, then yea, she needs To GO!