Commentary
Tech devices in California’s new cars create thorny political issues
Devices that record vehicle operational data for state air quality regulators could also violate privacy and be used to tax drivers by the mile.
Air Pollution
Commentary
Should this water desalination project be linked to a nuclear plant?
Nuclear reactors can provide steady power for desalination at a low cost. Critics say money mustn’t take priority over health, safety or the environment.
Environment
California wants to fund green jet fuel — by raiding your road repair budget
The proposal could be funded with transportation money typically reserved to fix local streets and roads.
Commentary
With Californians paying sky-high gas prices, now’s not the time for new oil regulations
Proposed changes to state climate law may boost gas-pump prices by up to $1 a gallon by 2030. Also more refineries and jobs may leave California.
Commentary
Small California communities deserve protection from big polluting manufacturers
Lawmakers passed exemptions for advanced manufacturing in CEQA, the state’s main environmental law. Now they should plug some of those holes.
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
2025 in review: Devastating fires, federal pushback, and contentious climate compromises
In 2025, devastating California wildfires in LA became the state's most destructive. Climate goals faced federal opposition as Trump blocked clean-car mandates. Refineries closed, water conflicts intensified, and legislators passed compromises.
Reader Reactions
Small-scale bioenergy is critical for wildfire prevention, climate resilience, and emissions reduction
Ending BioMAT in 2025 would undermine investments in bioenergy and leave communities without safe biomass disposal options.
Reader Reactions
California is drowning in hazardous forest waste with nowhere to put it
Biomass energy is not about cutting healthy forests or replacing solar and wind. California faces a dangerous accumulation of forest fuels with limited safe disposal options.
Commentary
Biomass is a money pit that won’t solve California’s energy or wildfire problems
Utilities customers help pay for biomass because electric utilities buy its products to produce electricity, paying four times more. Is it worth it?