environment

The vandalized water source where most water thefts occur in Lancaster, on July 2, 2021. The water is pumped into large containers that are sold and bought on the sides of the road. Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Environment

Thieves are stealing California’s scarce water. Where’s it going? Illegal marijuana farms

As drought grips most of California, water thefts have increased to record levels. Thieves tap into hydrants, pump water from rivers and break into remote water stations and tanks.

By

Julie Cart

• July 20, 2021

People walk near boat docks as they sit on dry land at the Browns Ravine Cove area of drought-stricken Folsom Lake, currently at 37% of its normal capacity, in Folsom on May 22, 2021. California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency for most of the state. Photo by Josh Edelson, AP Photo

CalMatters en Español

Newsom insta a todos los californianos a reducir el uso de agua en un 15%

En resumen La sequía extrema ahora afecta al 85% de California, por lo que el gobernador está buscando una acción voluntaria. Newsom expandió la emergencia por sequía a nueve condados más, principalmente a lo largo de la Costa Central y en el Área de la Bahía. Read this article in English. A medida que la sequía extrema […]

By

Rachel Becker

• July 13, 2021

The California Aqueduct, a central component of the California State Water Project. Photo via iStock

Commentary

Investment in Delta tunnel, Sites Reservoir will ensure water supply

Water agencies need to invest in infrastructure and plan for drought to diversify their water supply portfolio and increase reliability.

By

Guest Commentary

• May 24, 2021

WhatMatters

Legislative bloodbath as big bills die

Good morning, California. It’s Friday, May 21. Goodbye to all that Thursday was a brutal day in the state Legislature. Hundreds of bills met their demise or were watered down as lawmakers raced through an opaque process called the “suspense file,” a tool often used to euthanize proposals without having to cast a politically precarious […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• May 21, 2021

Commentary

Conservation policy must include more diverse voices

In the conservation effort to protect 30% of land and ocean by the year 2030, we need to include diverse communities in policy discussions.

By

Guest Commentary

• May 21, 2021

A man dumping a wheelbarrow full of bills. On suspense file day, California legislators killed dozens of bills.

Politics

Suspense file day: Which controversial bills did California legislators kill?

Lawmakers shelve dozens of significant bills, many opposed by special interests. They include proposals on police reform, housing, health care and more.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• May 20, 2021

California Wildfires

To achieve forest health, we need to change our relationship with fire

Why can’t California utilize prescribed burns that everyone knows are key to restoring biodiversity and resilience?

By

Guest Commentary

• May 19, 2021

Climate Change

Zero net carbon transportation will save money and create jobs

The most important strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions in California by mid-century is to ramp up use of electric vehicles.

By

Guest Commentary

• May 11, 2021

Commentary

Trump-era water rules should be reversed

Californians will lose if the Trump administration rules over water deliveries are allowed to stand.

By

Guest Commentary

• April 30, 2021

Oildfield infrastructure dominates the landscape at the densely developed Kern River oil field just outside of Bakersfield on Feb. 20, 2020. Photo by Jay Calderon, The Desert Sun

Environment

Newsom orders ban on new oil fracking by 2024

The move comes after environmentalists lambasted Newsom for failing to tackle California’s oil and gas production. The oil industry called it an “illegal mandate” and vowed to fight it. Fracking accounts for only 17% of California's oil production.

By

Rachel Becker

and

Laurel Rosenhall

• April 23, 2021