Climate Change

Solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 25, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California has enough debt. It doesn’t need $10 billion more for a climate bond

California voters will soon decide whether the state should authorize a $10 billion bond to help respond to climate change. The state's highest-ranking Republican legislator argues California can't afford the additional debt, especially for a questionable list of projects and programs.

By Brian Jones • September 10, 2024

A person with pants, but no shirt, fills their water bottle during a hot day at a water station at a tennis court.

Climate Change

More extreme heat + more people = danger in these California cities. ‘Will it get as hot as Death Valley?’

Inland communities with big population booms will experience the most extreme heat days under climate change projections. The combination puts more people at risk — and many cities are unprepared.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

and

Arfa Momin

• September 5, 2024

Rows of solar panels as the sunsets above the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 27, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Climate Change

California hits milestones toward 100% clean energy — but has a long way to go

Fossil fuels are still a large source of electricity, but California has made progress with renewables while keeping the lights on.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• August 19, 2024

A fleet of Tesla Semis on display at PepsiCo Beverages North America's Sacramento facility on April 11, 2023. PBNA hosted an event to celebrate the arrival of 18 Tesla Semi-trucks to its Sacramento location. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Climate Change

California seeks Biden administration approval for controversial diesel truck ban

The EPA must grant a waiver before the diesel truck measure can be implemented. It’s one of California’s most controversial measures to clean up air pollution and greenhouse gases.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• August 14, 2024

Stoney Timmons, right, a member of the Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians, uses a torch to light the ground on fire as Spencer Proffit, with the Bureau of Land Management, looks on during a cultural training burn in Weitchpec in October of 2021. Photo by David Goldman, AP Photo

Commentary

Fighting wildfire with ‘good fire’: California must return to prescribed burns

Wildfires — and their suppression — tear through California at a tremendous cost. One rancher recommends returning to the practice of prescribed burns.

By Dave Daley • July 22, 2024

Fishing boats docked at the marina along the Humboldt Bay shoreline in Eureka on June 6, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

California has just approved a new blueprint for offshore wind. The massive projects will cost billions

Harnessing clean energy is a venture of unprecedented scope in California, bringing big changes to Humboldt and the Central Coast, and requiring 26 ports along the coast.

By

Julie Cart

• July 10, 2024

A man drinks water during a heat wave in Los Angeles on July 13, 2023. Photo by Damian Dovarganes via AP

Economy

Hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, billions of dollars: The cost of extreme heat in California

Heat waves have killed hundreds of Californians and cost billions of dollars in the past decade, according to a new report from the state insurance department.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• July 8, 2024

A Shell gas station price sign displays the cost of gasoline: $5.79 per gallon for regular, $5.99 for plus, and $6.19 for V-Power. The sign is surrounded by palm trees and greenery, with a blue 'Tap, Pump, Go' payment sign nearby. A banner advertising a $9 car wash special is attached to the sign. In the background, a multi-story building with a sign reading 'Cardiovascular Institute of San Diego' stands among streetlights and urban infrastructure. Part of a car and foliage frame the image in the foreground.

Commentary

What will happen to gas prices and taxes if California shifts away from fossil fuels?

California's gas taxes increased this week, but the larger issue is what happens to gas prices and tax revenues as the state attempts to reduce greenhouse gases and move away from fossil fuels.

By

Dan Walters

• July 3, 2024

Section of rock covered mostly by sea snails with blue-black and pearlescent shells. Since the middle of the 20th century, development of the California coastline has exploded and these areas are now home to millions of people. Prior to this era, the coastlines were dominated by black abalone. Photo by Michael Ready, National Park Service

Capitol

This seashell is California’s next state symbol

A bill before the Legislature would select the black abalone as California’s official seashell. The author says it represents the threat of climate change and honors its history with Native American tribes.

By

Jenna Peterson

• June 12, 2024

A view of Iron Gate dam, one of three hydroelectric dams being removed on the Klamath River, on July 17, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

Commentary

California seeks a more resilient water supply as familiar sides battle for access

A new University of California study predicts that a combination of factors, including climate change, will reduce California's water supply. How will the state take action to make it more resilient?

By

Dan Walters

• June 6, 2024