Environment

Commentary

California can lead the nation in making solar energy even cleaner

As California decarbonizes its grid and transportation, it can also decarbonize the industrial supply chain for solar energy.

By Guest Commentary • January 28, 2021

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

Economy

California Policy & Politics: A Primer

Download and read this 53-page overview of all the major issues facing California policymakers.

By CalMatters Staff • January 14, 2021

Commentary

3 critical lessons California offers to improve restoration of land on a global scale

Scientists say the world has the next decade or so to avoid the most dire environmental scenarios, so we must invest in land restoration.

By Guest Commentary • January 13, 2021

Commentary

Californians deserve safe and breathable air

If we can rethink our habits of polluting the air that we breathe, we can improve our air quality in California and the Central Valley.

By Guest Commentary • 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

Conserving Tejon Ranch: A fight worth waging

The Tejon Ranch dispute threatens funding for cutting-edge science and innovative field applications to prevent ecosystem decline.

By Guest Commentary • January 4, 2021

Commentary

California should solve state’s recycling problems, not cause new ones

California must urgently address the deficiencies in our recycling capabilities and help stimulate market demand for recycled materials.

By Guest Commentary • December 28, 2020

Environment

Legacy of a clean-air czar: Clearer skies, bold alliances and bitter controversy

Mary Nichols has been pivotal in California’s war on smog. But as her tenure ends next week, activists say she didn’t do enough to protect low-income communities and they scuttled her candidacy for Biden’s top environmental post. Wounded but tenacious, she’s contemplating her next battles.

By Rachel Becker • 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