Air Resources Board

Environment

Audit slams state air board for ‘overstating’ greenhouse gas cuts

The air board’s lack of accounting threatens to derail the state’s climate change goals, the audit says. “California is in need of more reliable tools,” state auditor Elaine Howle wrote.

By Rachel Becker • February 23, 2021

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

Climate Change

Will California’s new climate leaders rise to the challenge?

The road to meeting California’s climate targets won’t be easy, so it is imperative that we implement strong policy across every sector of the economy.

By Guest Commentary • January 26, 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

Housing

How the remote work revolution could change California’s housing crisis

A huge number of people have been working from home for the better part of the year. The long-term implications for housing will likely benefit higher-earning workers and hurt lower income Californians.

By Matt Levin • December 21, 2020

WhatMatters

California’s looming economic challenges

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, December 10. Newsom at an inflection point Even as 59% of Californians expect the state to be bogged down by widespread unemployment and financial depression for the next five years, 58% approve of how Gov. Gavin Newsom is handling the economy. The findings, from a statewide Public Policy Institute of […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 10, 2020

Climate Change

Agencies should follow CARB’s leadership on emissions from gas appliances

California Air Resources Board’s resolution shows leadership on the importance of all-electric buildings to meet the state’s climate goals.

By Guest Commentary • December 1, 2020

WhatMatters

How California’s ballot became a battleground

Good morning, California. It’s Friday, November 6. Industry vs. Legislature The fate of four ballot measures — including what would be the largest change to California’s property tax structure in more than 40 years — hangs in the balance of 4.5 million uncounted votes, according to an estimate released Thursday evening by Secretary of State […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 6, 2020

Commentary

All-electric building codes for new homes would protect our health – and our kids’ health

Indoor pollution from gas furnaces, heaters, dryers and gas stoves can cause asthma in children – Californians should commit to healthier homes.

By Guest Commentary • September 30, 2020