Greenhouse Gas Emissions

WhatMatters

California’s climate goals likely out of reach

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, February 24. Two reports cast doubt California is unlikely to meet its ambitious climate goals, two reports released Tuesday show. The first, from California State Auditor Elaine Howle, doesn’t mince words: “The state will fall short of meeting the 2030 goal” of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from […]

By Emily Hoeven • February 24, 2021

Environment

California to review carbon trading program as part of climate roadmap

Experts say the state’s cap and trade program may be insufficient in meeting ambitious climate goals. And environmentalists have called the program unfair to polluted communities.

By Rachel Becker • February 16, 2021

WhatMatters

Inside Newsom’s declining approval rate

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, February 3. Low marks for vaccine rollout Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approval rating has fallen from record-high levels notched earlier in the pandemic, according to two polls released Tuesday — potentially fueling the campaign to recall him from office. Around 54% of Californians approve of Newsom’s job performance, down from a […]

By Emily Hoeven • February 3, 2021

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

Climate Change

Will California’s new climate leaders rise to the challenge?

The road to meeting California’s climate targets won’t be easy, so it is imperative that we implement strong policy across every sector of the economy.

By Guest Commentary • January 26, 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

WhatMatters

A new era for California? Newsom asks Biden for aid

What a difference a day makes. On Tuesday, California was still wrangling with the Trump administration, as evidenced by nine final-hour lawsuits filed by Attorney General Xavier Becerra — bringing his four-year total to a staggering 122 lawsuits. Today, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as president and vice president of the […]

By Emily Hoeven • January 20, 2021

California Wildfires

For forests resilient to wildfire, the time to act is now

Gov. Newsom should seek supplemental appropriation to provide funding to state and local agencies to prepare for and prevent wildfires.

By Guest Commentary • December 29, 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

Housing

How the remote work revolution could change California’s housing crisis

A huge number of people have been working from home for the better part of the year. The long-term implications for housing will likely benefit higher-earning workers and hurt lower income Californians.

By Matt Levin • December 21, 2020