Climate Change

The California Air Resources Board meets at the California Environmental Protection Agency building in Sacramento on June 23, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

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.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• September 19, 2025

An aerial view of a solar farm amongst farmland with a mountain range spread out on the horizon in the distance.

Water

California may help solar bloom where water runs dry

The state's farmers are divided over a bill that would loosen rules protecting agricultural land. The goal of a bill proposed by Assembly Democrat Buffy Wicks is to seed solar farms on fallowed fields.

By

Rachel Becker

• September 11, 2025

A wide view of dark and gray thunder clouds as lightning strikes over a mountainside with Joshua trees, rocks, and boulders around the frame.

California Wildfires

Dozens of lightning strike fires are burning across California. A warming climate could bring more, according to new study

When lightning strikes are abundant, so are wildfires – some in remote places across the state. Scientists warn there may be more in the future.

By

Rachel Becker

• September 4, 2025

A person wearing a black hat and shirt stands near a cash register behind the counter of the check-out section of a grocery store. Various merchandise items can be seen in the foreground and background.

Climate Change

Why California backed down from forcing landlords to keep residents cool

Lawmakers will again fail to set a safe indoor temperature standard for housing, as builders and tenant advocates battle over the cost of retrofits.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• August 29, 2025

A side view of three commercial trucks parked next to each other in a lot. Two of the trucks are white and one is black. The trucks are decorated with a blue liquid graphic and include the words "zero emissions" and "hydrogen fleet" on them.

Climate Change

California has a fallback plan for Trump’s clean car attacks. Does it go far enough?

Amid a legal fight over California’s power to regulate car and truck pollution, state agencies are suggesting policies that need stable funding, legislative action, or lengthy rulemaking.

By

Alejandro Lazo

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• August 20, 2025

Environment

‘Beyond awful’ Colorado River forecasts put water talks under pressure

California shoots pointed words at states upriver, as negotiators struggle toward sharing supplies. Without a deal, the Trump Administration will step in.

By

Rachel Becker

• August 15, 2025

A row of white and tall wind turbines in a desert area with shrub and Yucca brevifolia trees on a clear day. Some clouds can be seen in the distance near mountains.

Environment

California’s wind and solar projects face new federal hurdles

Clean-energy projects have new deadlines for federal tax credits and limits on foreign parts, taking aim at California’s climate agenda. Eleven major solar projects and one onshore wind project now face potential delays or cancellation.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• July 14, 2025

A small airplane flying over the skyline of Los Angeles during a warm-looking sunset, depicting oranges and yellows on a smoggy-looking day.

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.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• July 7, 2025

A close up view of black and gold semiconductors on a green a circuit board.

Environment

California lawmakers roll back environmental law. Why is high-tech manufacturing now exempt?

Major changes to the California Environmental Quality Act include an exemption for high-tech industrial plants and other projects. The move, fast-tracked under pressure from Gov. Gavin Newsom, sparked fierce pushback from environmental, community and labor groups.

By

Alejandro Lazo

and

Rachel Becker

• June 30, 2025

A gas price sign at a 76 gas station displays fuel prices for cash and credit/debit payments. Regular gasoline is $4.89 (cash) and $4.95 (credit), Plus is $4.99 and $5.05, Premium is $5.09 and $5.15, and Renewable Diesel #2 is $4.75 and $4.91. The sign is set against a background of a beige building, palm plant, and part of a tan pickup truck.

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.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• June 30, 2025