Environment

Power poles and equipment. California utilities are undertaking extensive upgrades to their equipment in an effort to prevent sparking wildfires. Photo via Pixabayare undergoing extensive upgrades as California utilities seek to prevent wildfires.

California Wildfires

Scant details: Are California utilities doing enough to fireproof their equipment?

The state-approved plans utilities have submitted outlining how they will prevent their equipment from sparking wildfires provide few details—and little evidence to support the companies’ claims that indiscriminately clear-cutting millions of trees and replacing hundreds of thousands of wooden utility poles with steel ones will actually reduce the risk of wildfires.

By

Julie Cart

• June 27, 2019

Capitol

Why a California lawmaker wants to ban cigarette filters and disposable vapes

California Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson's bill to curb litter from cigarette butts and electronic cigarettes cleared the Senate but approaches its next hurdle in the Assembly. The bill aims to tackle hundreds of thousands of cigarette butts that litter the state's coasts and hold the tobacco and e-cigarette industry accountable for the mess that its products make.

By

Rachel Becker

• June 25, 2019

Photo by Naveen Nkadalaveni, Wikimedia Commons

California Wildfires

Newsom’s new proposals on wildfire costs walk a political tightrope

Officials had to slap utilities for starting blazes—but not inflict undue financial damage or bail them out—and avoid punishing fire victims or further burdening electricity customers.

By

Julie Cart

• June 21, 2019

Capitol

Why fighting for clean water with climate change money worries some California lawmakers

Combat climate change, or clean up the water? Legislators chose to dip into a greenhouse gas fund to fight California’s drinking water problem. The move alarmed environmentalists and legislators on both sides of the aisle — but it could soon become the norm.

By

Rachel Becker

• June 17, 2019

Marchers walk to the California Capitol last spring to protest the high cost of rental housing in the state. Photo by Steve Yeater/AP Images

Environment

In California, a blue wave and progressive governor: So why are so many leftist plans going under?

As the Capitol passes the halfway point for making new laws this year, the progressive policies that are advancing amount to less of a torrent than a trickle.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

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Ben Christopher

• June 13, 2019

Climate Change

‘Clean’ freight traffic is elusive as California rolls toward zero emissions

For carbon-free transportation, California must cover a lot more ground soon. But by some estimates, electric truck fleets could still be a decade away.

By

Julie Cart

• June 9, 2019

Washington rejected the auto industry's plea to meet California halfway on emissions standards. Photo by Thinkstock

Climate Change

Trump administration says no new talks with California on car rules

Automakers backed Obama-era rules on car emissions and gas mileage, then asked President Trump to change them. Now the companies fear a long Washington-California court fight.

By

Rachel Becker

• June 7, 2019

Shell oil refinery in Martinez, California; the state could have a new cap-and-trade partner if Oregon's new carbon trading bill passes.

Climate Change

No longer the loneliest? Why Oregon’s all-in climate push matters to California

After efforts to unite the West under a carbon-trading program stalled for nearly a decade, Oregon will decide this month whether it wants to follow in California’s footsteps. This bill would make Oregon the second state after California to rely on the market for emissions reductions throughout the entire economy. Supporters say that expanding the cap-and-trade market to Oregon could increase competition, lower compliance costs, and speed decarbonization of the West. But others worry a failure in Oregon could hurt carbon trading's chances in other states.

By

Rachel Becker

• June 6, 2019

An aerial shot of a busy Los Angeles freeway interchange.

Climate Change

Commutes, jobs at stake in California’s clean air battle with Trump

California transportation officials warn the fight over passenger vehicle standards might affect air quality, construction jobs, the economy — and ensure Californians stay stuck in traffic.

By

Rachel Becker

• May 31, 2019

Cars stuck in traffic in San Francisco, California

Environment

Why California’s air board won’t ban gas-powered cars yet

Mary Nichols, the powerful head of the California Air Resources Board, didn’t even need to explicitly threaten a ban on gas-powered cars last week to get the attention of carmakers. The warning was only in her prepared statements for a workshop with the state Transportation Commission. But the remarks, obtained by Bloomberg, hit headlines and […]

By

Rachel Becker

• May 24, 2019