Environment

Some wave technology, like this one from Eco Wave Power, is deployed near shore, attached to seawalls or jetties, where paddle-like devices are driven up and down by wave action, activating hydraulic energy. Photo courtesy of Eco Wave Power

Environment

Blue power: Will ocean waves be California’s new source of clean energy?

Only a few small demonstration projects off the West Coast have harnessed the power of waves and tides. Costs are high and hurdles are challenging.

By Julie Cart • November 29, 2023

Water

As storms arrive in California, reservoirs are in good shape. But the water forecast is murky

Unlike a year ago, water storage is above average. Whether the year is wet or dry, though, remains uncertain despite El Niño conditions.

By Rachel Becker • November 17, 2023

Home items in Carolyn Young's yard on Oct. 26, 2023. Planada residents had to throw out many of their possessions after their homes flooded earlier in the year during torrential rain storms. Oct. 26 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

California Divide

Flooded California towns secured millions in aid. Who gets the money?

Residents of Planada and Pajaro want state aid to help alleviate debt incurred from rebuilding after January floods. Local officials want some money to go elsewhere.

By Nicole Foy • November 17, 2023

Solar electric panels on the roof of the Hanover Olympic building, the first building to offer individual solar-powered net-zero apartments in Los Angeles, on June 6, 2017. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

Environment

California reduces payments for rooftop solar power — for second time in a year

The utilities commission reduced payments to apartments, schools and businesses selling solar power to the grid despite a barrage of criticism. Commissioners say it reverses unfair subsidies.

By Ben Christopher and Julie Cart • November 16, 2023

Sara Keeler, center, a scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, participates in the first-ever California State Scientists’ Union employee strike in front of the CalEPA Headquarters in Sacramento on Nov. 15, 2023

Environment

California state scientists strike, demand equal pay

More than 4,000 state scientists have worked under an expired contract for three years. Average wages in 2020 were $83,586, 27% less than state engineers' pay. The state filed an unfair labor practice charge to stop the strike.

By Rachel Becker • November 15, 2023

Water floods a neighborhood in Planada on Jan. 11, 2023. The town was under evacuation orders after a series of storms flooded the area. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Climate Change

No place is safe: New national report on climate change details sweeping effects

California ranks among the top states suffering economic damage from climate-related disasters. The report describes food shortages, floods, droughts, wildfires, pollution, disease — all linked to climate change.

By Alejandro Lazo • November 14, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom, at left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China, on Oct. 25, 2023. Photo by the Office of the California Governor via AP Photo

Environment

Newsom’s visit underscores electric car reality: China holds the keys to battery industry

China modeled some of its climate programs on policies first adopted by California. Now, California depends on the world’s most populous country for essential materials in its electric vehicle ambitions.

By Alejandro Lazo • October 26, 2023

The All American Canal flows past the Imperial Sand Dunes near Felicity on Dec. 5, 2022.

Water

Western States’ planned water cuts are enough to avert a Colorado River crisis, for now

Wet weather and planned cuts by California, Arizona and Nevada averted declines that could have threatened water deliveries and power production — but long-term threats to the Colorado River remain.

By Rachel Becker • October 25, 2023

Holstein cows eating in their pens at the Airoso Dairy near Pixley on Sept. 29, 2023. Several farms house digesters systems that feeds methane gas to the CalGren facility to produce renewable natural gas. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

California weighs ending climate credits for cow poop

California grants climate credits for fuel made from cow manure, but there’s a paradox: The state's program encourages collection of methane yet promotes natural gas.

By Alejandro Lazo • October 19, 2023

Environment

Once it was hailed as a drought fix — but now California’s moving to restrict synthetic turf over health concerns

California cities can ban synthetic turf under a law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed. He rejected a bill to ban PFAS in fake lawns.

By Shreya Agrawal • October 18, 2023

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