Environmental Justice

California Divide

Scorching schoolyards: California groups want more trees, less asphalt at schools

Too few trees at California’s schools mean there’s little protecting students from a warming planet. Here’s how advocates say the state can pay for more shade.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • May 21, 2024

Commentary

Earth Day contest highlights: California youth spotlight election-year priorities on climate

In an important election year, more than 70 high school students across California called on candidates seeking office to back a variety of climate solutions as part of CalMatters’ Earth Day op-ed contest. These are a few excerpts from finalists.

By Michael Lozano and Yousef Baig • April 18, 2024

Water

California farmers depleted groundwater in this county. Now a state crackdown could rein them in

Kings County agencies and growers may face probation and millions of dollars in fines — which could be the first step toward the state wresting control of groundwater.

By Rachel Becker • April 15, 2024

Commentary

California’s warehouse boom forced one Inland Empire town to embrace a future that risks its past

Bloomington's controversial embrace of warehouses highlighted the financial appeal but also the cultural tradeoffs for Inland Empire communities confronted by expansion.

By Jim Newton • March 21, 2024

Environment

California’s polluted communities could miss out on billions under state’s flawed system

The state’s environmental tool skews which communities are designated as disadvantaged, researchers say. Some immigrant neighborhoods could be left out, while other groups are overrepresented.

By Alejandro Lazo • February 23, 2024

Environment

Engine-maker Cummins will pay record air pollution fine to feds and California

Federal and California officials say the company illegally installed devices on about one million pickup trucks. Cummins will pay $2 billion in civil fines and funds for pollution control projects.

By CalMatters Staff • January 10, 2024

Commentary

Offshore wind success in California requires developers, policymakers embrace ‘ocean justice’

As offshore wind faces setbacks on the East Coast, California has a chance to establish long-term success. Developers and policymakers at all levels can get there by embracing "ocean justice" principles.

By Daniela Schulman • January 2, 2024

Environment

California exports the risk from its hazardous waste. One neighborhood in Mexico shows the consequences 

An ongoing CalMatters investigation has shown how California companies and governments avoid the Golden State's strict environmental regulations by shipping toxic waste across state borders. New reporting shows how California exports the risk to Mexico.

By Robert Lewis and Wendy Fry • December 20, 2023

Water

Western States’ planned water cuts are enough to avert a Colorado River crisis, for now

Wet weather and planned cuts by California, Arizona and Nevada averted declines that could have threatened water deliveries and power production — but long-term threats to the Colorado River remain.

By Rachel Becker • October 25, 2023

Environment

‘A massive enterprise’: California’s offshore wind farms are on a fast track

Ocean wind farms are essential to electrify California's grid with 100% clean energy. But they’re a giant, costly experiment — no one knows how hundreds of towering turbines will transform the remote North Coast.

By Julie Cart • October 16, 2023