Environment

Drinking water contamination is a chronic, insidious threat in California’s rural communities. Some have been waiting for clean water for years.

Inland communities with big population booms will experience the most extreme heat days under climate change projections. The combination puts more people at risk — and many cities are unprepared.

California oil companies will have until July, 2030 to monitor wells near homes and schools for leaks into air and water. The decision came after last-minute negotiations.

Ranchers who defied a state water order were only fined about $50 each. Under new legislation headed to the governor, some daily fines for water scofflaws can increase 20-fold.

The author pulled the Assembly utility bill from consideration a day before the Legislature’s deadline.

Consumers would get a small credit on electric bills if the legislation passes. Solar companies say the energy measures might not be effective in streamlining projects.

Early warning systems save lives during disasters, but a recent FEMA survey found that only a third of people are signed up. Use this resource to find your county’s emergency alert sign-up page.

The governor backed off his controversial plan to extend deadlines for oil and gas operators to comply with a new law on wells. But he also wiped out the funding state agencies say they need to hire staff and carry out the regulations.

Fossil fuels are still a large source of electricity, but California has made progress with renewables while keeping the lights on.

Several efforts to minimize the power and influence of the California Coastal Commission have stalled.