Environment

As climate change warms the planet, wildfires have become so unpredictable and extreme that new words were invented: firenado, gigafire, fire siege — even fire pandemic. California has 78 more annual “fire days” — when conditions are ripe for fires to spark — than 50 years ago. When is California’s wildfire season? With recurring droughts, […]

Some Northern California cities have been soaked with almost twice their average rainfall, while southern cities are bone-dry. This season’s huge — possibly unprecedented — disparity works in favor of the state’s water supplies.

In 2024 California continued efforts toward environmental leadership, from voter-approved bonds to Gov. Gavin Newsom's efforts to reduce gas prices.

It's been a long year. Take a look back at 2024 with CalMatters visual journalists.

New operating rules for massive Delta systems will increase water deliveries to Southern California cities and some growers. Salmon numbers could drop, especially in dry years.

The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts. The state's zero-emission vehicle mandates have been the driving force behind California's progress in cleaning up dangerous air pollutants.

Growers and cities support the Newsom administration proposal, saying it strikes a balance for uses of Delta water. But environmentalists say the “healthy rivers” rules would actually harm California’s iconic salmon.

The Supreme Court justices agreed to review whether oil companies have standing to try to overturn a federal waiver for a California clean-car rule that ramped up electric car sales. The standards are the cornerstone of California's efforts to clean its air and combat climate change.

Some rural California communities are resisting efforts to streamline permitting for wind and solar farms and battery storage for environmental or safety reasons.

The Biden administration is awarding Inflation Reduction Act money to help clean the air before President-elect Trump takes over.