Climate Change

New housing under construction in a neighborhood in Elk Grove on July 8, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Environment

Facing criticism, state amps up its climate change blueprint

New initiatives have been added to California’s draft scoping plan, including climate-friendly homes, offshore wind and cleaner airplane fuels.

By Nadia Lopez • September 9, 2022

Aerial view of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in San Luis Obispo. Photo by Lionel Hahn/REUTERS

Environment

Diablo Canyon: Nuke plant a step closer to staying open longer

Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported extending the nuclear power plant’s life for five more years, and the governor swiftly signed it into law. Supporters say it’s critical to keep the electricity on.

By Nadia Lopez • September 1, 2022

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a number of climate-related bills surrounded by state legislators at a press conference at the USDA Forest Service Regional Office on Mare Island in Vallejo on Sept. 16, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Environment

California approves big climate change steps — but one ambitious one fails

Five of the six climate and energy bills that Gov. Newsom pushed at the last minute were approved by the Legislature and signed into law.

By Nadia Lopez • September 1, 2022

An electric vehicle charging station in Millbrae. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Environment

California phases out new gas cars — so what’s next for electric cars?

California will revolutionize the car market by ending sales of new gas cars within 12 years, forcing car buyers to switch to electric cars.

By Nadia Lopez • August 25, 2022

The Sacramento Cogeneration 3 natural gas plant in Sacramento on June 28, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Environment

Newsom to Legislature: Act fast to enact new climate change targets

Newsom’s priorities — for the last three weeks of the session — include ramping up targets for greenhouse gas reductions and clean electricity, and creating safety zones around new oil wells.

By Rachel Becker and Julie Cart • August 9, 2022

Sheep grazing near solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 27, 2022 Sheep are let into the facility to eat bugs and graze on dry grass that could be a fire hazard. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

Wrangling over renewables: Counties push back on Newsom administration usurping local control

The state can expedite approval of renewable energy projects but rural counties say they already do their part with solar and wind farms. “We’re in the crosshairs, but we don’t think we are the right target here,” one rural advocate says.

By Julie Cart • August 4, 2022

Quentin Nelms in front of his home in Tulare on July 26, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

Can Californians afford electric cars? Wait lists for rebates are long and some programs have shut down

State funding is insufficient so lower-income residents have trouble getting their subsidies. The problems jeopardize California’s climate and air pollution goals as electric car prices keep rising.

By Nadia Lopez • August 2, 2022

California lawmakers may create a way to pay PG&E to ensure that the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant near San Luis Obispo keeps generating power. Avila Beach in 2008. Photo by Michael A. Mariant, AP Photo

Environment

California may rescue its last nuclear power plant — and give PG&E millions to do it

In a bid to avoid power shortages, state lawmakers approved funding that could save California’s Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

By Nadia Lopez • June 29, 2022

Silos storing cement tower above the Martin Marietta Redding Cement Plant in Redding on June 7, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Environment

Climate-friendly cement? California takes on a high-carbon industry

An outsized source of greenhouse gases, California cement companies are trying creative climate solutions to meet mandates. But they are seeking state help.

By Nadia Lopez • June 27, 2022

An oil refinery operates in Martinez on January 23, 2021. Photo by Michael R. Lopez via iStock

Environment

Climate controversy: California’s plan for handling crisis is flawed, advisors say

California’s climate change plan fails to provide substantial evidence that capturing carbon will meet ambitious greenhouse gas goals, critics say. The plan “does California a disservice,” one state advisor said.

By Nadia Lopez • June 3, 2022

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