Environment

A Tesla supercharger charging station in Sacramento on July 29, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Climate Change

Why California’s eco-friendly, tax-the-rich electorate killed Prop. 30

In one of the highest-profile California election results, Proposition 30 failed despite the state's commitment to climate action and its history of taxing the wealthy. But the ballot measure also was complicated and divided Democrats, a recipe for failure.

By

Ben Christopher

• November 10, 2022

Jim Scala at his ranch in Montague on Aug. 29, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Environment

Rural ranchers face $4,000 proposed fine for violating state drought order

The penalty is the maximum the ranchers — who pumped Shasta River water for eight days — could face under state law. It amounts to about $50 per rancher, which is no deterrent, ranchers and officials agree.

By

Rachel Becker

• November 7, 2022

Environment

¿Cómo puede California aumentar su suministro de agua?

Read this article in English. Una y otra vez, la sequía lanza a California a una lucha familiar para proporcionar suficiente agua. Ciudades y pueblos exigen conservación y preparación para la escasez. Los agricultores dejan los campos sin cultivar y los ganaderos venden vacas. Y miles de personas descubren que no pueden exprimir una gota […]

By

Rachel Becker

• November 7, 2022

Recycling is one way for California to boost its water supply. Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge captures and reuses water to irrigate its lush forests, ponds and gardens. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Environment

How can California boost its water supply?

From capturing stormwater runoff to transforming agriculture, here are some ways for drought-prone California to get more water.

By

Rachel Becker

• November 7, 2022

A Toyota Project Portal hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-truck during an event in San Francisco on Sept. 13, 2018. Photo by Stephen Lam, Reuters

Environment

Going electric: Opponents clash as California aims to force diesel trucks off the road

There's fiery opposition from environmentalists and truckers as state regulators consider a proposal to ban gas-fueled truck sales and make large trucking firms convert to electric within two decades.

By

Nadia Lopez

• October 27, 2022

Pipes containing drinking water at the Poseidon Water desalination plant in Carlsbad on June 22, 2021. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

Environment

A pivot on desalination plants: California approves project in Orange County

After rejecting a controversial proposal in Huntington Beach, the state Coastal Commission greenlights another in Dana Point. While environmentalists raised concerns, the commission calls it a well-planned project.

By

Rachel Becker

• October 13, 2022

Water flows along the All-American Canal near Winterhaven on Aug. 13, 2022. The canal conveys water from the Colorado River into the Imperial Valley. Photo by Gregory Bull, AP

Environment

California offers to reduce imports of Colorado River water

Imperial Valley farmers and Southern California cities would get 9% less water from the Colorado River than the amount allocated under their senior rights.

By

Rachel Becker

• October 5, 2022

Solar installers place solar panels on the roof of a residential home in San Diego on Oct. 14, 2016. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

Environment

How can California workers transition to green energy jobs?

Lea este artículo en español. California likes to see itself as a leader in climate policy. But transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy also will mean a major reshuffling for workers. What happens to workers in the oil and gas industry whose jobs may disappear? Will California have people with the right skills to […]

By

Grace Gedye

and

Nadia Lopez

• October 5, 2022

Environment

Four in a row: California drought likely to continue

After its driest three-year stretch on record, California braces for another year with below-average snow and rain. Conditions are shaping up to be a “recipe for drought."

By

Rachel Becker

• September 28, 2022

Shipments of cargo leave the Port of Oakland on July 25, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Environment

Big change for big rigs: California unveils mandate to phase out diesel trucks

In another worldwide first, California's proposal would require new trucks to be zero-emissions in 2040. Large companies would gradually convert fleets. Truckers worry about the costs and practicality of electric trucks.

By

Nadia Lopez

• September 15, 2022