Environment
California bets on an obscure tool to replace clean air authority Trump revoked
The rules would hold pollution magnets like warehouses, ports and railyards accountable for the trucks and ships they attract.
Air Resources Board
Environment
2025 in review: Devastating fires, federal pushback, and contentious climate compromises
In 2025, devastating California wildfires in LA became the state's most destructive. Climate goals faced federal opposition as Trump blocked clean-car mandates. Refineries closed, water conflicts intensified, and legislators passed compromises.
Environment
Federal oversight is disappearing as multiple refineries explode. Who’s in charge now?
An El Segundo refinery fire has renewed questions about who is investigating the state’s oil industry after serious accidents. With the U.S. Chemical Safety Board defunded, California has yet to fill the gap.
Climate Change
Newsom taps climate ‘architect’ to lead California air board as Trump fights heat up
At the state’s top air regulator, Lauren Sanchez will replace Liane Randolph, taking the helm as California battles Trump, rising costs, and the future of its climate agenda.
Politics
Classic cars will still need a smog test in California after lawmakers reject Jay Leno bill
California’s Assembly Appropriations Committee killed “Leno’s Law” that aimed to give classic car owners like him a pass from smog requirements.
Environment
Reined in by cost and a hostile president, California ponders next move to clean its air pollution
With 7 of its most ambitious rules for cars, trucks and trains repealed, California officials now must find new ways to clean up the nation’s worst air pollution. But officials face growing pushback about affordability and costs.
Commentary
California air quality regulators are doing the bare minimum to curb landfill pollution
California regulators haven't updated landfill pollution standards since 2010, and appear to be only doing the minimum in the latest effort to revisit them, argues an L.A. County activist impacted by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill.
Climate Change
Controversial climate rule, which could raise gas prices, about to go into effect
No immediate hike in California gas prices will occur but Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature fear the effects of the clean-fuel program.
Environment
US Senate blocks California’s electric car mandate in historic vote
Today's decision could upend California’s phaseout of gas-powered cars and diesel trucks and its decades-long battle against air pollution. California plans to file suit, claiming an unlawful use of an act allowing Congress to review some regulations enacted by the previous administration.
Climate Change
Should California’s climate budget pay for high speed rail and firefighters? Newsom’s new plan triggers fiery debate
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to extend California's landmark cap and trade program through 2045. But earmarking half of this year's funds to the beleaguered rail project and Cal Fire would leave too little for other climate projects, critics say.