Environment
California bets on an obscure tool to replace clean air authority Trump revoked
The rules would hold pollution magnets like warehouses, ports and railyards accountable for the trucks and ships they attract.
Environment
Molly Peterson
Environment and Health Editor
Rachel Becker
Water Reporter
Alejandro Lazo
Climate Reporter
Alejandra Reyes-Velarde
California Divide / Environmental Justice Reporter
Environment
Citing Iran crisis, Trump orders Santa Barbara oil pipeline restart. California will fight it
The Trump administration ordered the restart of a Santa Barbara oil pipeline shut since the 2015 Refugio spill, invoking emergency powers under the Defense Production Act.
Environment
California passed a law to curb spikes in gas prices. Why isn’t it using those powers now?
California built a first-in-the-nation system to police refinery profits during price spikes. Regulators delayed it for five years.
Environment
How to fix the contamination in the Tijuana River? A new report lays out the multi-step solution
The Tijuana River in San Diego has sickened surfers, swimmers and Navy SEALS for decades. A new report explores ways to clean it up.
Economy
Solar panel reimbursements to remain low under California appeals court ruling
A California appeals court upheld a 2022 regulatory decision to reduce rooftop solar payments. Environmental groups may appeal to the state Supreme Court.
Environment
Is California’s ski season deadlier than usual? Here’s why we don’t know
A deadly ski season in California raises urgent questions. Why doesn’t the state track resort injuries or deaths, and who’s protecting people on the slopes?
Environment
Who pays for AI’s power? California watchdog urges new data center rules
The Little Hoover Commission warns AI data centers could spike electricity bills, urging lawmakers to make tech companies — not households — pay for grid upgrades.
Environment
Santa Barbara judge rules against company that turned to Trump for help restarting pipeline
A Santa Barbara judge tentatively ruled that the Trump administration's intervention wasn't enough to let Sable Offshore restart a pipeline shut after a 2015 oil spill.
Climate Change
What California’s planned power outages are costing schools: darkness, disruption and debt
California schools faced repeated planned power outages in 2024-2025 as Edison cut electricity to prevent wildfires, forcing closures and costly backup power solutions.
Environment
California wants millions of heat pumps. High power bills might get in the way
California wants to slash greenhouse gases by electrifying homes and installing six million heat pumps by 2030. Lawmakers are pushing new policies to speed adoption. But some of the nation’s highest electricity rates stand in the way.