Environmental Justice

Environment

‘Another attempt to industrialize the coast’: California’s Central Coast residents try to halt offshore wind

Massive ocean wind farms off Morro Bay and Santa Barbara County — which could transform these quiet coastal towns and affect marine life — face a turbulent path.

By Julie Cart • October 16, 2023

WhatMatters

Will California’s experiment in wind power work?

From CalMatters environment reporter Julie Cart:  Ocean waters off California’s coast are being prepared to host a massive experiment, floating beyond the continental shelf: Platforms with giant turbines and spinning rotors will capture the Pacific Ocean’s prodigious wind energy. Hundreds of square miles of the ocean about 20 miles off the coasts of Humboldt County […]

By Lynn La • October 16, 2023

Commentary

Los Angeles neighborhoods choked by pollution need California to extend clean transportation program

In neglected areas such as South Los Angeles, the freeways that crisscross neighborhoods are choking residents with harmful pollution. A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk would extend a clean transportation program that can aid these communities.

By Guest Commentary • October 10, 2023

Water

The Bay-Delta ecosystem is collapsing. California just unveiled rival rescue plans

A long-awaited, controversial report weighs updates to standards that state officials say have failed to protect fish and wildlife. But environmentalists, Native tribes and others already are furious about how long this has taken — and the state is years away from putting a plan into action.

By Rachel Becker • September 29, 2023

Commentary

Opponents of Inland Empire warehouse boom see glimmer of hope in recent rejections

A string of decisions by cities in the Inland Empire signal that local officials are beginning to take a more critical eye to warehouse expansions in a region that's seen explosive growth over the last three decades. But without broader changes or action by state leaders, residents and activists remain skeptical.

By Jim Newton • September 21, 2023

WhatMatters

California lawmakers want answers on toxic waste

From CalMatters investigative reporter Robert Lewis: State lawmakers held a joint oversight committee hearing Wednesday to question officials from California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control about how it’s going with various reform efforts. (It was definitely more of an annual teeth cleaning than a root canal.) Among the topics of discussion was an ongoing CalMatters […]

By Lynn La • August 24, 2023

Environment

Toxic trash: California’s aging hazardous waste sites have troubling safety records

Neighbors to one of California's biggest hazardous waste recyclers say they're unfairly exposed to pollution, but can California afford to lose one of the few facilities that still takes toxic waste?

By Robert Lewis • August 22, 2023

Water

California water agency under investigation for discriminating against tribes, people of color

A discrimination complaint filed by Native American tribes and environmental justice groups alleges that California has failed to protect water quality in the Bay-Delta. The EPA is investigating.

By Rachel Becker • August 9, 2023

Commentary

Why conserving the San Gabriel Mountains is so important to California Latinos

As California attempts to conserve 30% of state land and coastal waters by 2030, expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument would be a significant step, especially for Latinos in the L.A. area who lack access to open spaces.

By Guest Commentary • August 4, 2023

Commentary

California has more than 35,000 idle oil wells. Taxpayers should not have to pay for the cleanup

Idle and orphaned oil wells pose not just a public health risk but could cost an estimated $21.5 billion to clean up. California lawmakers can take several steps to ensure taxpayers are not forced to cover the tab.

By Cesar Aguirre and Hollin Kretzmann • July 20, 2023