Climate Change

Environment

California’s Phil Ting tilts at windmills — ban gas-powered cars! — hoping to start a conversation

Ting may sometimes be the California Assembly’s Don Quixote, chasing seemingly impossible dreams. But he says it's a win to just get people talking.

By Julie Cart • February 20, 2020

Education

Track California schools closed by climate disasters, says lawmaker, citing ‘the times we’re living in’

AB 2126 follows a CalMatters report on the toll natural disasters are taking on K-12 education. It would share real-time data on school closures statewide.

By Ricardo Cano • February 19, 2020

WhatMatters

Ben Carson bonds with Garcetti + Sanders scorches PG&E + Sac Bee’s tough day

Ben Carson and Eric Garcetti discuss solutions to homelessness. Sanders lights into PG&E. Sacramento Bee owner files for bankruptcy.

By Dan Morain • February 14, 2020

Environment

California analysts urge lawmakers: reject Gov. Newsom’s $1 billion climate loan proposal

The Legislative Analyst's Office warns California may not be able to spot the right projects to fund with a proposed green loan program. 

By Rachel Becker • February 13, 2020

WhatMatters

Disaster days legislation + New effort to curb health care costs + Unions make gains

"Disaster relief" summer schools proposed in wildfire country. A new effort emerges to control health care costs. Stalled bills may rise again.

By Dan Morain • January 24, 2020

Environment

Bonds on the ballot: Will billions of dollars help California cope with climate change?

Given California’s international leadership in addressing climate change, it isn’t surprising that voters will be asked this November to approve billions of dollars in bonds to help the state become more resilient. But why settle for one ballot proposal when you can have three? Competing plans for “climate resiliency” bonds come from three sides of […]

By Julie Cart • January 22, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom turns to Delta tunnel project, while a conservative icon dies

Election guide answers all your primary questions. Newsom restarts Delta water project. Motel vouchers help to house impoverished Fresno County families.

By Dan Morain • January 17, 2020

Climate Change

Clean up cars and cement industry to reach California’s climate goals, report says

California's current climate policies won't cut greenhouse gas pollution enough to meet the state's goals — but a new report says cleaning up cars and the cement industry could help.

By Rachel Becker • January 16, 2020

Environment

Bill to weaponize clean car rebates stalls in California’s pollution battle against Trump

A bill to restrict clean car rebates to vehicles from companies that signed on to California's greenhouse gas deal stalled in the state Legislature.

By Rachel Becker • January 13, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom’s new spending plan, and what became of Schwarzenegger’s ‘hydrogen highway’

Newsom unveils spending plan. California becomes a laboratory for big blue ideas. Renewable energy mandate powers state's climate goals.

By Dan Morain • January 10, 2020