Climate Change

A white electric vehicle is parked at a charging station, with charging cables connected to the vehicle. The station displays green accents and a digital interface. The words "EV Charging Only" are painted on the asphalt, indicating the designated parking area for electric vehicle charging. The background includes a building and bare tree branches.

Commentary

California’s carbon crusade faces resistance due to its real world impact

In concept, the public supports battery-powered cars, windmills, and solar farms to shrink California's carbon footprint. But some also see a downside to these climate change solutions.

By

Dan Walters

• January 31, 2025

The sea port of the city of Morro Bay on July 18, 2023. Morro Bay would have increase the size of its sea port when the state lease planned offshore wind farm is constructed. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

Trump’s order won’t halt California’s offshore wind leases. But will it derail the industry?

The president’s order has no immediate effect on offshore wind leases already authorized, including two large areas off California’s coast. But it sends a current of uncertainty through the fledgling renewable energy industry, which relies on federal and state support.

By

Julie Cart

• January 24, 2025

Environment

Biden administration approves California electric car mandate. Will Trump try to revoke it?

The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts. The state's zero-emission vehicle mandates have been the driving force behind California's progress in cleaning up dangerous air pollutants.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 18, 2024

An electric vehicle charging station in Burlingame. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Environment

Supreme Court to weigh in on case involving California’s power to clean its air

The Supreme Court justices agreed to review whether oil companies have standing to try to overturn a federal waiver for a California clean-car rule that ramped up electric car sales. The standards are the cornerstone of California's efforts to clean its air and combat climate change.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 13, 2024

An electric school bus is charging at Grant Union High School in Sacramento on July 20, 2023. The chargers are bidirectional, which means they can feed power back to the electric grid. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Climate Change

California awarded $135 million for electric buses, trucks

The Biden administration is awarding Inflation Reduction Act money to help clean the air before President-elect Trump takes over.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 11, 2024

Mathew Garcia digs through the soil of his fallowed rice field near Glenn in April. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

California can make climate policy decisions today that address the problems of tomorrow

California has taken important steps to adapt to climate change’s effects on water, but it’s not yet on the right trajectory to manage some of the changes underway — or the greater challenges ahead.

By Letitia Grenier • November 20, 2024

A close up of a digital gasoline sign, with various prices. The words, "CASH," "Gasoline," "Credit/Debit" are visible at the top. "Regular," "Plus," and "V-Power" are visible in the middle. Prices range from $5.79 to $6.09.

Climate Change

California enacts new climate rules — which could boost gas prices

Experts don’t know how much gas prices may rise from the revised California climate program, which tightens standards and gives incentives for low-carbon fuels. The board ordered an annual review of the cost impacts.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• November 8, 2024

A blue road sign, with yellow lettering reads, "Welcome to California." Three orange poppies are also visible on the sign. A wildfire burns behind some hills in the background. Orange wildfire smoke fills the air.

Environment

Here we go again: California prepares to battle Trump over environmental policies

A lot is at stake with the new Trump administration: California’s water projects, its unique authority to clean its air, federal support for offshore wind and disaster aid for wildfires.

By

Julie Cart

,

Alejandro Lazo

,

Alastair Bland

and

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• November 8, 2024

A stack of empty five-gallon water containers at Shady Lane Estates in Thermal on March 23, 2023. According to some residents, there is no clean drinking water from the mobile park, so these five-gallon containers are their only option. Pablo Unzueta for CalMatter

Elections

Prop. 4 passes: Californians approve $10 billion for water, wildfire, climate projects

California voters approved Prop. 4's $10 billion in bonds for environmental projects, with about $2 billion going toward protecting drinking water.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• November 5, 2024

A CARB board meeting at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento on June 23, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

This key California climate program doesn’t need a rubber stamp — it needs overhaul

For years, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard program has given well-connected industries handouts for questionable climate benefits. An energy researcher says California needs to completely overhaul the program.

By Danny Cullenward • October 30, 2024