California Wildfires
Sierra Nevada reels as flames and smoke drive visitors away
The record-breaking fire season could have lasting effects on the economy of California’s mountain communities.
Environment
Molly Peterson
Environment and Health Editor
Rachel Becker
Water Reporter
Alejandro Lazo
Climate Reporter
Alejandra Reyes-Velarde
California Divide / Environmental Justice Reporter
Environment
‘Debate is over,’ California’s governor says. ‘This is a climate damn emergency.’
As more than two dozen fires still rage, Newsom stands amid charred parkland, vowing to ratchet up the state’s ‘inadequate’ plan to cut carbon emissions.
Environment
Legislature narrowly rejects nation’s toughest restrictions on plastics
A measure requiring manufacturers to reduce single-use plastics in landfills fails to win over Republicans and moderate Democrats.
Explainers
The final say: Gov. Newsom has decided which of these 2020 bills will be California law
In a year when the coronavirus pandemic upended every aspect of normal life, the impact in the California Capitol was also dramatic. Lawmakers took an unprecedented two-month pause in the spring, when Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide order for people to stay home to prevent the spread of the virus. They returned to the […]
Environment
Wildfire funding bill dies in California Legislature
Too much opposition, too little time to address disputes over $3 billion in fees on utility customers for fire and climate change projects.