Environment

Environment

Five things to know about nuclear power in California

Gov. Newsom is considering seeking federal funds to keep Diablo Canyon open as California transitions away from fossil fuels. But there are many complications to keeping nuclear power in California.

By Nadia Lopez • May 13, 2022

Environment

State unveils new climate change blueprint packed with strategies tackling fossil fuels

Under the new scoping plan, California would almost eliminate oil and shift to renewable sources. But where’s the update on the controversial polluting-trading market known as cap and trade?

By Nadia Lopez • May 11, 2022

Environment

How bad is water use in California? March is the worst so far, up 19%

Ignoring urgent pleas from water officials, Californians used substantially more water after a record-dry three months gripped the state.

By Rachel Becker • May 10, 2022

Environment

Lower cost, slower gains: California prepares controversial new climate strategy

A climate change roadmap to be proposed in May aims to minimize costs while reaching carbon neutrality by 2045. Environmentalists say it’s too slow and reliant on carbon markets and capture technologies.

By Nadia Lopez • April 28, 2022

Environment

Clean-car rules: California unveils proposed measure to ban new gasoline-fueled cars

If enacted this summer, California’s mandate — the first in the world — would increase sales of electric or other zero-emission cars to 35% in 2026, and prohibit new gasoline or diesel cars by 2035.

By Rachel Becker • April 12, 2022

Commentary

Newsom’s gas rebate would stymie state’s climate goals

The governor should be speeding up the transition to zero-emission technologies, not padding the coffers of profit-rich oil companies.

By Guest Commentary • April 12, 2022

Environment

Report to California Legislature: Prepare for sweeping effects of climate change

From housing and health to transportation and education, the Legislative Analyst’s Office provides a litany of sobering climate change impacts for California legislators to address as they enact policies and set budgets.

By Rachel Becker and Julie Cart • April 5, 2022

Commentary

State’s goal to keep batteries out of landfills needs a recharge

A new measure requiring manufacturers to develop a collection program for batteries and rechargeable devices would cut risks of toxic exposures to humans and the environment.

By Guest Commentary • April 5, 2022

Economy

California contradiction: Ban gas cars later, but cushion gas prices now?

California has invested heavily in switching away from gas-powered cars to meet its climate goals. Now Gov. Newsom has proposed sending out checks to car owners to help with the price of gas. That move wouldn’t necessarily prop up demand for gas — economists say people may use the money to buy other things.

By Grace Gedye • March 28, 2022

Reader Reactions

UC Berkeley’s problem is poor planning, not CEQA

CEQA didn’t create the problems at UC Berkeley, the university’s poor planning did. Better planning, not gutting CEQA, is the answer.

By Guest Commentary • March 25, 2022