Climate Change

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

An electric vehicle recharges at an electric vehicle charging station in Milbrae on July 29, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Environment

California sues Trump for blocking its clean-air rules for cars, trucks — and vows to set new mandates

Trump signed measures today revoking waivers for the state's mandates that clean up car and truck exhaust and ramp up sales of electric vehicles. California and 10 other states immediately sued and the governor ordered the air board to craft a new mandate.

By

CalMatters Staff

• June 12, 2025

Environment

Air board rejects smog rules phasing out gas-powered heaters in LA basin

The new rules would have set increasing targets for sales of zero-emission products in the 4-county L.A. region over the next decade. Opponents say they would have limited consumers’ choices and driven up costs, while supporters say they are critical for healthy air.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• June 6, 2025

Climate Change

Should polluters pay? California’s climate ‘superfund’ plan may have stalled

Proposed legislation hasn't moved out of the state Assembly or Senate, raising questions about how far California will go in its efforts to make oil and gas companies pay for climate damage.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• June 6, 2025

A close-up of an electric vehicle plugged into an EVgo fast charging station in a parking lot. The charging cable connects to the front side of a dark green Rivian truck, with signage for Ultium and EVgo visible in the background.

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.

By

Alejandro Lazo

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• May 22, 2025

A construction site for a segment of the high speed rail in Fresno on Oct. 20, 2023. Construction has started a 171-mile starter segment connecting Central Valley’s Bakersfield and Merced. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

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.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• May 19, 2025

A close-up view of shipping containers in various colors drving out of a port terminal.

Environment

Grants for LA clean trucks frozen in Trump effort to defund green energy

The $250 million, which would fund about 500 electric trucks serving the ports of LA and Long Beach, remains frozen as a legal dispute plays out between the EPA, a bank and a green energy group.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• May 1, 2025

A firefighter wearing yellow protective gear and a helmet walks through a smoky forest, surrounded by tall trees and scattered branches. The scene is hazy with smoke.

California Wildfires

California sets aside $170 million to thin vegetation, forests to help prevent wildfires

Six conservancies throughout the state will oversee work largely in Southern California and the Sierra Nevada.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• April 14, 2025

The Chevron refinery in Richmond is located behind a neighborhood on Feb. 21, 2024. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

Climate Change

Trump targets California climate laws in new executive order

Trump ordered his attorney general to move against state climate programs that clash with his energy agenda. Legal experts say his claims about the laws being unconstitutional are an overreach.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• April 9, 2025