Climate Change

Environment

New California law will speed cleanup of idle oil wells

Three new oil well laws come after the Newsom administration delayed enforcement of an existing law protecting communities near wells.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• September 25, 2024

A row of students lift up their legs in front of them as they stretch before cross-country practice near a building at a high school.

Education

How a new California law will shield student athletes from heat

A change in California law has set new rules for when young athletes can play and practice in high temperatures, affecting schools and teams across the state.

By

Deborah Brennan

• September 24, 2024

A person with pants, but no shirt, fills their water bottle during a hot day at a water station at a tennis court.

Climate Change

More extreme heat + more people = danger in these California cities. ‘Will it get as hot as Death Valley?’

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.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

and

Arfa Momin

• September 5, 2024

Oil well pumps in the foreground among residential and commercial buildings with a backdrop of the Long Beach skyline in the background.

Environment

Legislature delays oil well monitoring by more than 3 years, restores funding

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.

By

Julie Cart

• August 31, 2024

Environment

Last-minute plan to help Californians with electric bills fails

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

By

Alejandro Lazo

• August 30, 2024

A consumer's PG&E bill from October, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Environment

A stunt or first step? Inside California’s last-minute effort to cut electric bills and streamline clean energy

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.

By

Alejandro Lazo

,

Julie Cart

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• August 30, 2024

An active oil derrick near homes in the city of Signal Hill in Los Angeles County on Oct. 19, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Environment

Technically, California won’t delay an oil well protection law — but Newsom axes funding to enforce it

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.

By

Julie Cart

• August 24, 2024

Rows of solar panels as the sunsets above the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 27, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Climate Change

California hits milestones toward 100% clean energy — but has a long way to go

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

By

Alejandro Lazo

• August 19, 2024

A fleet of Tesla Semis on display at PepsiCo Beverages North America's Sacramento facility on April 11, 2023. PBNA hosted an event to celebrate the arrival of 18 Tesla Semi-trucks to its Sacramento location. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Climate Change

California seeks Biden administration approval for controversial diesel truck ban

The EPA must grant a waiver before the diesel truck measure can be implemented. It’s one of California’s most controversial measures to clean up air pollution and greenhouse gases.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• August 14, 2024

Solar panels face the sun in the Mojave desert on a clear sky day.

Environment

California lawmakers negotiating sweeping package to speed up solar, wind energy

Legislators and Gov. Newsom are working behind the scenes to draft energy legislation before the end-of-the-month deadline.

By

Alejandro Lazo

and

Julie Cart

• August 1, 2024