Environment

An over-the-shoulder view of a person looking at a cellphone on display with a row of iPhones on a store counter. In the background, there are two other people looking at phones on the other side of the counter, while another person walks into frame nearby in the store.

Environment

New California fee targets batteries in PlayStations, power tools and singing cards

Consumers will have to pay a 1.5% fee on all products with an embedded battery as the result of a new law aiming to curb risk of battery fires.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• January 2, 2026

Firefighters use a hose to put out a fire near the structural remains of a building along the coast. Giant smoke clouds rise from the rubble near the edge of the street.

Environment

2025 in review: Devastating fires, federal pushback, and contentious climate compromises

In 2025, devastating California wildfires in LA became the state's most destructive. Climate goals faced federal opposition as Trump blocked clean-car mandates. Refineries closed, water conflicts intensified, and legislators passed compromises.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• December 30, 2025

Yellow and red cables are plugged into large black shelfs of computer machinery as a person works in the background.

Environment

Big Tech blocks California data center rules, leaving only a study requirement

A new law orders regulators to study the cost impacts of fast-growing, energy-hungry AI data centers. Lawmakers are expected to revisit tougher rules as utilities, advocates and tech groups battle over who pays for the grid upgrades.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 29, 2025

People with shovels use them to clear mud from a street and driveway after a mudslide. On the road is a bulldozer used to help clean up the road. The road goes down a hill with trees on either side of the street.

Environment

‘A flood on steroids’: Atmospheric river storms Southern California, threatens debris flow

Atmospheric river threatens to unleash deadly debris flows through LA's wildfire scars. Officials warn: "Get out of the way." Evacuations are underway.

By

Rachel Becker

• December 23, 2025

A resident shovels mud deposited by flooding from his driveway in Cutler on March 12, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

Trump move to break up atmospheric research center threatens wildfire, storm predictions

‘This is only going to hurt Americans.’ Scientists, California state officials say the Trump administration’s plans to dismantle a key climate science hub will put public safety at risk.

By

Rachel Becker

• December 20, 2025

A yellow and red warning sign about sewage and chemical contamination is posted along the shore of a beach. A pier can be seen in the background as the sun begins to set.

Environment

The U.S. is committed to cleaning up Tijuana River pollution. Will California follow through?

San Diego leaders are calling on California to take stronger action to address the ongoing environmental crisis caused by sewage and industrial pollution flowing from the Tijuana River.

By

Deborah Brennan

• December 17, 2025

A firefighter in protective gear pulls a hose toward a massive structure fire at night, directing a stream of water toward towering flames that engulf a building and fill the air with smoke and orange light.

Environment

The hydrants will run dry: Trump’s LA fire claims missed the mark, study shows

Echoing state and local officials, a new analysis agrees: hydrant failures in the Palisades fire were ‘the rule rather than the exception.’

By

Rachel Becker

• December 15, 2025

PG&E's Diablo Canyon Power Plant's nuclear reactors in Avila Beach in 2008. Photo by Michael A. Mariant, AP Photo

Politics

California’s last nuclear power plant faces renewed scrutiny as it gains latest permit

A state regulator is requiring California’s last nuclear power plant to conserve 4,000 acres of surrounding land to keep operating until 2030.

By

Nadia Lathan

• December 11, 2025

An aerial view of the Colorado River as it winds through grass fields on farmland with clouds reflecting in the river from the sky. A mountain range is shown in the background, with rays of light hitting it at sunset.

Environment

California cities pay a lot for water; some agricultural districts get it for free

Even among experts the cost of water supplies is hard to pin down. A new study reveals huge differences in what water suppliers for cities and farms pay for water from rivers and reservoirs in California, Arizona and Nevada.

By

Rachel Becker

and

Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett

• December 11, 2025

A close-up view of teal and yellow electrical wries connect to a stack of servers.

Environment

Data centers for AI could nearly triple San Jose’s energy use. Who foots the bill?

Artificial intelligence and its growing demand for data centers are putting new pressure on California’s electric grid. In San Jose, supporters see jobs and investment, while a key ratepayer advocate worries customers could end up paying for upgrades.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 8, 2025