environment

President Donald Trump points at the crowd during a rally.

WhatMatters

Trump challenges California on abortion + A housing vote + PG&E’s unwanted anniversary

Housing bill faces key vote. Trump takes on California over abortion. The state of play for PG&E one year after filing for bankruptcy.

By

Dan Morain

• January 27, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom challenges PG&E bankruptcy plan + Bakersfield children need help + Star treatment for plastics bill

Newsom urges judge to reject PG&E bankruptcy plan. New report concludes Bakersfield children are struggling. Scorecard assess homelessness prescriptions.

By

Dan Morain

and

Judy Lin

• January 23, 2020

An electric car charges at a rapid charge station at the Emeryville Public Market on July 5, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters.

Environment

Bill to weaponize clean car rebates stalls in California’s pollution battle against Trump

A bill to restrict clean car rebates to vehicles from companies that signed on to California's greenhouse gas deal stalled in the state Legislature.

By

Rachel Becker

• January 13, 2020

Workers at GreenWaste Recovery sort plastic waste.

Environment

Exclusive: California climate budget to include $1 billion green loan fund

The four-year proposal would seed innovation in recycling, transit, agriculture and other sectors that could help the state address climate change.

By

Judy Lin

and

Rachel Becker

• January 9, 2020

Environment

Watch new 2020 law #8: California to ban smoking, vaping in state parks and beaches

California is banning smoking — cigarettes and anything else — on state parks and beaches in 2020. After Jan.1 — as soon as the state puts up new signs warning about the ban — taking a puff while enjoying the great outdoors could cost you. State legislators have tried for years to make smoking illegal on […]

By

Byrhonda Lyons

and

Rachel Becker

• December 26, 2019

WhatMatters

Sutter Health’s big settlement, attorneys’ big payday, and CalEPA’s big get

Sutter Health agrees to $575 million antitrust settlement. The connection between old tires, artificial turf and landfills. CalEPA makes a big hire.

By

Dan Morain

and

Judy Lin

• December 23, 2019

Environment

California weighs controversial rule to tackle truck tailpipe pollution

California's clean air enforcers want major truck manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles in the state — but the agency's proposal faces criticism from environmentalists and truck makers alike.

By

Rachel Becker

• December 11, 2019

Water level will rise in the Mission Bay area of San Francisco and will affect the popular lunch spot, Mission Rock Resort

Environment

Without urgent action, California’s sea-level rise a threat to housing, economy, report says

California's local governments are reacting too slowly to predictions of rising sea levels that threaten the state's economy and housing, according to a report released by the Legislative Analyst's Office.

By

Elizabeth Castillo

• December 10, 2019