Air Pollution

Environment

Up in smoke: Burns in San Joaquin Valley vineyards, orchards may finally end

California’s air board will vote this week on stopping burns that spew plumes of smoke that can trigger asthma attacks. The move is long in coming — it was supposed to end a decade ago under state law.

By Rachel Becker • February 22, 2021

Environment

California to review carbon trading program as part of climate roadmap

Experts say the state’s cap and trade program may be insufficient in meeting ambitious climate goals. And environmentalists have called the program unfair to polluted communities.

By Rachel Becker • February 16, 2021

Explainers

What Biden’s presidency means for California’s environment

Erasing dozens of Trump’s climate rollbacks is Biden’s priority, and he issued directives on his first day in office. California’s air quality, wildlife, water, forests, farms — and even its light bulbs and washing machines — could be affected by new executive orders, policies and rules. But how likely are they, and when?

By Julie Cart and Rachel Becker • January 25, 2021

Commentary

Californians deserve safe and breathable air

If we can rethink our habits of polluting the air that we breathe, we can improve our air quality in California and the Central Valley.

By Guest Commentary • January 8, 2021

Environment

Legacy of a clean-air czar: Clearer skies, bold alliances and bitter controversy

Mary Nichols has been pivotal in California’s war on smog. But as her tenure ends next week, activists say she didn’t do enough to protect low-income communities and they scuttled her candidacy for Biden’s top environmental post. Wounded but tenacious, she’s contemplating her next battles.

By Rachel Becker • December 23, 2020

Climate Change

Don’t fall for fossil fuel propaganda

The consequences of climate change do not impact all Californians equally, and here in the San Joaquin Valley, community members and agricultural workers are on the frontlines of the air pollution, water scarcity and increased heat that are inextricably tied to climate change.  Our health, well-being and future prosperity depend on enacting meaningful solutions to […]

By Guest Commentary • December 16, 2020

Environment

GM drops Trump fight against California car standards

The auto company, aligned with President Trump, now aligns with president-elect Joe Biden in climate change plans.

By Rachel Becker • November 23, 2020

California Divide

San Joaquin Valley family says company’s toxic pesticide caused child’s disabilities

Seventeen-year-old Avenal resident Rafael Cerda Calderon has always struggled with severe seizures, autism, and a developmental disability. He will likely need care for the rest of his life. According to a lawsuit Cerda’s family recently filed in Kings County Superior Court, the multi-billion dollar agribusiness company Corteva, Inc., is to blame. Cerda’s parents alleged that […]

By Manuela Tobias • October 23, 2020

Commentary

Additional measures, enforcement needed in San Joaquin Valley plan for clean air

I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, and the air pollution there has had very real impacts on my own health and the health of my family.

By Guest Commentary • October 21, 2020

Politics

Trump and Newsom: Political frenemies make nice amid California’s mounting disasters

The dynamic between Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump has turned out to be a surprise during Newsom’s short time as governor, as he’s navigated an extraordinary spate of disasters requiring federal aid and diplomacy.

By Laurel Rosenhall • September 14, 2020