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.
Climate Change
Environment
Citing Iran crisis, Trump orders Santa Barbara oil pipeline restart. California will fight it
The Trump administration ordered the restart of a Santa Barbara oil pipeline shut since the 2015 Refugio spill, invoking emergency powers under the Defense Production Act.
Environment
California passed a law to curb spikes in gas prices. Why isn’t it using those powers now?
California built a first-in-the-nation system to police refinery profits during price spikes. Regulators delayed it for five years.
Environment
Santa Barbara judge rules against company that turned to Trump for help restarting pipeline
A Santa Barbara judge tentatively ruled that the Trump administration's intervention wasn't enough to let Sable Offshore restart a pipeline shut after a 2015 oil spill.
Climate Change
What California’s planned power outages are costing schools: darkness, disruption and debt
California schools faced repeated planned power outages in 2024-2025 as Edison cut electricity to prevent wildfires, forcing closures and costly backup power solutions.
Environment
Trump scraps a cornerstone climate finding, as California prepares for court
Trump rescinded the legal foundation for U.S. climate policy. California is preparing to sue — and may try to write its own rules.
Environment
California spends billions based on this pollution tracker. Who benefits from its latest update?
California is updating CalEnviroScreen, the influential pollution tracker that helps determine which communities get environmental grants. Advocates say the state should improve the tool and use it more frequently to cut pollution.
Environment
California’s instant EV rebates would require automakers to match state funds
New budget language lays out how Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to structure a $200 million electric vehicle rebate program, including price caps, automaker matching funds and a focus on first-time buyers.
Climate Change
Newsom wants $200M for EV rebates. Experts say it’s not enough to fix California’s slump
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $200 million proposal to revive the state’s EV market would reach only a fraction of buyers, raising fresh questions about who should benefit and whether limited incentives can meaningfully move a slowing market.
Environment
L.A. wildfires: With no clear cleanup standards, how to test for toxic soil
Ash rained down and smoke blanketed Los Angeles during the 2025 wildfires, leaving behind a toxic legacy in soil and homes. Without a federal or California mandate, nonprofit, academic and local groups offer testing for homeowners.