Environment

Commentary

Berkeley case proves CEQA needs to be reformed

California is overdue for CEQA reform that offers more than exemptions for sports stadiums, luxury offices and pet projects of the politically powerful.

By Guest Commentary • March 15, 2022

WhatMatters

As gas prices spike, California focuses on zero-emission cars

CalMatters is dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. Your support helps us produce journalism that makes a difference. Donate now. It’s full speed ahead for zero-emission cars in California. The Golden State got the green light Wednesday to proceed with its nation-leading clean car program after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reinstated a waiver […]

By Emily Hoeven • March 10, 2022

WhatMatters

Is California souring on CEQA?

Democrats may carve out another exemption to CEQA, the landmark California environmental law, after a ruling on UC Berkeley enrollment.

By Emily Hoeven • March 4, 2022

Environment

Snow falling: As climate warms, overhauling California water projections gains urgency

The Sierra Nevada hasn’t provided nearly as much water as predicted. Now the state is struggling to overhaul its snow runoff forecasts.

By Rachel Becker • February 23, 2022

WhatMatters

Inside California’s inaccurate water forecasts

California's projections for how much water it can expect from the Sierra Nevada are far from reality — another result of climate change.

By Emily Hoeven • February 23, 2022

Commentary

CEQA advances environmental justice, so why all the hate?

Weakening California’s landmark environmental law might increase profits for a few industries, but it could prove costly for communities.

By Guest Commentary • February 16, 2022

Environment

‘Morale killer’: California scientists battle over pay disparities

State scientists, who make on average 27% less than state engineers, are trying to negotiate a better deal. “I'm freaking terrified that all of these awesome people that I work with…are going to leave,” one environmental scientist said.

By Rachel Becker • February 11, 2022

Commentary

Protect the Eastern Sierra from industrial gold mining

Gold exploration projects by foreign companies threaten Conglomerate Mesa, and Paiute and Timbisha Shoshone homelands.

By Guest Commentary • February 10, 2022

Environment

Has California’s landmark law cleaned communities’ dirty air?

California's environmental justice law is supposed to clean the air for 15 hot spot communities, home to almost 4 million people. But after more than 4 years and $1 billion, it’s still impossible to say whether it's worked.

By Rachel Becker • January 31, 2022

WhatMatters

Is key California pollution law working?

A landmark California environmental justice law was supposed to clean the air in 15 key communities, but it's hard to say if it's worked.

By Emily Hoeven • January 31, 2022