Air Resources Board

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

Environment

Facing criticism, state amps up its climate change blueprint

New initiatives have been added to California’s draft scoping plan, including climate-friendly homes, offshore wind and cleaner airplane fuels.

By Nadia Lopez • September 9, 2022

WhatMatters

Goodbye, gas-powered cars

Thursday was a day of climate contradictions in California’s state capital. First, state air regulators voted unanimously to phase out the sale of new gas-powered cars, passing a rule that will require automakers to electrify 35% of their new vehicle fleets by 2026, 68% by 2030 and 100% by 2035, CalMatters’ Nadia Lopez reports. Gov. […]

By Emily Hoeven • August 26, 2022

WhatMatters

Newsom calls for more aggressive climate action

As the largest wildfire of the year rages across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom is doubling down on an aggressive strategy to combat climate change — one that also appears to involve boosting his national profile. Newsom on Saturday proclaimed a state of emergency in Mariposa County due to the Oak Fire near Yosemite National Park, […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 25, 2022

Commentary

State’s wimpy plan to cut pollution needs muscle

The governor must demand that the California Air Resources Board strengthen its proposed air pollution-reduction rule, speeding the transition to all-electric vehicles.

By Guest Commentary • July 13, 2022

Environment

California climate rules won’t be undercut by Supreme Court’s ruling, experts say

The Supreme Court’s decision to limit federal environmental protection rules will have little-to-no effect on California’s carbon-reduction policies, according to experts — and state leaders say they are doubling down on their climate commitment.

By Nadia Lopez • June 30, 2022

WhatMatters

Inside California’s climate change paradox

A Bay Area train derailing from tracks overheated by an early-summer heat wave, sending at least one person to the hospital. Lightning strikes killing a woman and her two dogs in Southern California and injuring a man pushing a baby stroller in Kern County. A wildfire causing PG&E power outages so persistent that Stanford University […]

By Emily Hoeven • June 24, 2022

Environment

Electric car mandate: California air board questions cost, practicality

Over a nine-hour meeting, car owners, environmentalists and industry representatives showed up in droves to voice concerns about ramping up electric car sales and banning new gas-powered cars in 2035. Board members asked for more strategies to help low-income residents.

By Nadia Lopez • June 9, 2022

Environment

State unveils new climate change blueprint packed with strategies tackling fossil fuels

Under the new scoping plan, California would almost eliminate oil and shift to renewable sources. But where’s the update on the controversial polluting-trading market known as cap and trade?

By Nadia Lopez • May 11, 2022

Environment

Clean-car rules: California unveils proposed measure to ban new gasoline-fueled cars

If enacted this summer, California’s mandate — the first in the world — would increase sales of electric or other zero-emission cars to 35% in 2026, and prohibit new gasoline or diesel cars by 2035.

By Rachel Becker • April 12, 2022