Environment

Commentary

Amping up state’s offshore wind power goals would brighten state’s energy outlook

The future of California’s energy supply and our ability to wean ourselves off fossil fuel-generated power could very well hinge on the California Energy Commission’s goal for how much offshore wind energy our state can produce.

By Guest Commentary • August 1, 2022

Environment

Delta tunnel: Salmon at risk from massive water project, state report says

The tunnel project, which would cost billions and take decades, aims to help shore up water supplies in much of California. The new environmental impact report outlines the impacts.

By Rachel Becker • July 27, 2022

Commentary

State can fight fire with prescribed fire by funding jobs in the field

It is now accepted that prescribed fire is needed to conserve and restore biodiversity, prevent catastrophic fires, stabilize carbon and promote public health and safety. To address the pace and scale of prescribed fire that is needed, we must invest in careers in prescribed fire.

By Guest Commentary • July 27, 2022

Commentary

Heat-relief merits red-hot priority status statewide

As heat waves become longer and hotter, vulnerable people need cooling immediately. Longer-term interventions must focus on adding shade and changing how buildings are built and land is used. California needs to coordinate these efforts.

By Guest Commentary • July 26, 2022

WhatMatters

Lawmakers spending the week in Maine, Canada

What do Ireland, Israel, Maine and Canada have in common? They’re among the locations to which California lawmakers have embarked on special interest-funded trips during their month-long summer recess, which comes to an end Monday when they return to Sacramento for the frenzied final month of the legislative session. The latest junket began Sunday, when […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 26, 2022

Commentary

Voters will decide whether California breathes easier

Proposition 30, the "Clean Air Initiative" on the November ballot, is aimed at restoring California’s clean air. 

By Guest Commentary • July 22, 2022

Environment

California poised to restrict bee-killing pesticides

California is acting later than many states in regulating neonicotinoids, but its rules would be among the nation’s most extensive. They would change how growers kill pests on nuts, citrus and other fruit crops.

By Rachel Becker • July 20, 2022

Environment

Labeling it ‘rushed’ and ‘lousy,’ California lawmakers OK Newsom’s power plan

The governor's plan irritated legislators who objected to the last-minute brokering of the deal and its reliance on fossil fuels to keep the lights on.

By Julie Cart • June 27, 2022

Environment

Electricity use would surge under California’s new climate plan

Hundreds of people lined up today to voice concerns about California’s sweeping new climate strategy at a public hearing. Without massive investments in clean energy, air board officials warned that more fossil fuels will be needed to power electric cars and ensure a reliable power grid.

By Nadia Lopez • June 23, 2022

Environment

Tunnel vision: What’s next for the governor’s plan to replumb the Delta?

It’s no quick fix. The scaled-down tunnel — which would bypass the Delta and funnel more water south — still has to clear a gauntlet of reviews, would cost at least $16 billion and could take 20 years.

By Rachel Becker • June 22, 2022