Energy

A brown pelican — a species that recovered from near-extinction after being protected by the Endangered Species Act — flies above Malibu Lagoon on Jan. 12, 21. Photo by Shae Hammond for CalMatters

Explainers

What Biden’s presidency means for California’s environment

Erasing dozens of Trump’s climate rollbacks is Biden’s priority, and he issued directives on his first day in office. California’s air quality, wildlife, water, forests, farms — and even its light bulbs and washing machines — could be affected by new executive orders, policies and rules. But how likely are they, and when?

By

Julie Cart

and

Rachel Becker

• January 25, 2021

The governor's budget proposal for the coming fiscal year clocks in at more than $227 billion. Illustration by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters; iStock

Politics

Better than ‘anyone could have imagined’: Inside Newsom’s optimistic, record-breaking budget proposal

Lea este artículo en español. More than last year’s budget. More than the year before. More than any California budget ever. Despite — or maybe because of — the last 10 months of arrested economic activity and unchecked viral contagion, Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a record-breaking $227 billion spending plan for the coming fiscal year. It […]

By

Ben Christopher

• January 8, 2021

Capitol

Budget proposal can send a clear signal on clean transportation

Gov. Newsom should prioritize clean transportation and incentive funding for buyers of zero-emission vehicles to achieve his executive order.

By

Guest Commentary

• January 6, 2021

Commentary

California’s electric grid needs an overhaul

The network of utilities and operators running California’s electric grid must create a more flexible, sustainable system.

By

Guest Commentary

• December 23, 2020

Climate Change

Don’t fall for fossil fuel propaganda

The consequences of climate change do not impact all Californians equally, and here in the San Joaquin Valley, community members and agricultural workers are on the frontlines of the air pollution, water scarcity and increased heat that are inextricably tied to climate change. Our health, well-being and future prosperity depend on enacting meaningful solutions to […]

By

Guest Commentary

• December 16, 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

Commentary

Can we have a power grid that is both renewable and reliable?

Solar, wind and batteries are critical to California’s clean energy future, but they are not enough. Here’s how to diversify the state’s renewable energy portfolio.

By

Guest Commentary

• October 27, 2020

WhatMatters

Ballot campaigns set state record as most expensive

Never has an election cycle seen so much money funneled into California’s ballot measure campaigns — and there are still two weeks to go until the November election. Already, the campaigns for and against the 12 propositions on the November ballot have raised a staggering $670 million, according to a CalMatters analysis. When added to […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• October 20, 2020