Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Climate Change

‘Impossible’ and ‘likely to fail’? Or ‘putting lives over profits’? Behind California’s battle to electrify trucks

A decision is expected Friday. Trucking companies say the deadlines for converting big rigs, delivery trucks and other heavy vehicles will cause “chaos and dysfunction” of California’s economy. Some residents urged the board to enact even stronger measures to clean up their polluted air and "put our lives over profit."

By Nadia Lopez • April 26, 2023

Commentary

Corporations are some of the worst polluters. This California bill keeps them honest

Supporters of a bill reintroduced this year requiring large corporations to disclose their carbon emissions argue it will empower consumers, disrupt greenwashing and help spotlight sustainable companies for others to model.

By Guest Commentary • March 24, 2023

Commentary

Bill requiring corporations to report emissions could backfire on Californians

Opponents of a bill reintroduced this year requiring large corporations to disclose their carbon emissions argue it could increase costs for California consumers and fail to promote transparency.

By Guest Commentary • March 24, 2023

Environment

Slashing greenhouse gases: California revises climate change strategy

A new version of California’s climate plan sets a more stringent — some say unrealistic — target for cutting greenhouse gases. It also relies more on controversial carbon capture and removal projects, which would be responsible for 15% of all cuts.

By Nadia Lopez • November 16, 2022

WhatMatters

The new face of No on 30: Gavin Newsom

The opponents of Proposition 30, a proposal to tax millionaires to fund electric car incentives and infrastructure, want California voters to keep one thing in mind when they decide how to vote on the measure:  Gavin Newsom’s face. A new “No on 30” ad features the governor — and only the governor — speaking out […]

By Ben Christopher • September 13, 2022

Environment

Clean-car rules: California unveils proposed measure to ban new gasoline-fueled cars

If enacted this summer, California’s mandate — the first in the world — would increase sales of electric or other zero-emission cars to 35% in 2026, and prohibit new gasoline or diesel cars by 2035.

By Rachel Becker • April 12, 2022

Environment

Report to California Legislature: Prepare for sweeping effects of climate change

From housing and health to transportation and education, the Legislative Analyst’s Office provides a litany of sobering climate change impacts for California legislators to address as they enact policies and set budgets.

By Rachel Becker and Julie Cart • April 5, 2022

Housing

How much do California housing goals really mean?

In the latest episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon explain why the state’s housing planning process has been ineffective and what the new penalties mean.

By Manuela Tobias • March 21, 2022

WhatMatters

As gas prices spike, California focuses on zero-emission cars

CalMatters is dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. Your support helps us produce journalism that makes a difference. Donate now. It’s full speed ahead for zero-emission cars in California. The Golden State got the green light Wednesday to proceed with its nation-leading clean car program after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reinstated a waiver […]

By Emily Hoeven • March 10, 2022

Commentary

California can provide a climate roadmap for the world

This year, California has the opportunity to pair record climate investments with an ambitious roadmap to meet our climate goals.

By Guest Commentary • February 14, 2022