Public News Service

Currently, more than 2.7 million Californians live within 3,200 feet of an operational oil well. (MSPhotographic/Adobestock)

Thursday, April 25, 2024

CA climate leaders fight to keep setbacks around oil and gas wells

Leaders concerned about pollution and climate change are raising awareness about a ballot measure this fall on whether the state should mandate buffer…

Protests in May 2023 called for cleaner air at the ports. State data show ships idling at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2021 during the pandemic emitted as much diesel particulate matter pollution as 100,000 big rig trucks per day. (Pacific Environment)

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Clean-air activists to hold 'die-in' Friday at LA City Hall

A coalition of climate groups seeking cleaner air at the rail yards and ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will hold a "die-in" rally tomorrow at Los…

The proposed Ambler industrial mining road would have crossed nearly 3,000 waterways, including the Kobuk and Koyukuk rivers, which are important spawning grounds for the Yukon salmon. (National Wild and Scenic Rivers System)

Monday, April 22, 2024

Biden administration moves to protect Alaska wilderness

Conservation groups are rejoicing over the decision Friday by the Biden administration to reject a proposed mining road in Alaska. The 211-mile …

Advocates say a proposed bond measure could help improve fire resiliency in California's redwood forests. (Kchassiephoto/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

On Earth Day, climate activists press for CA bond measure

Today, in honor of Earth Day, climate advocates are asking California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom to rally around a plan to put a $15 billion …

Environmental advocates are asking California's next state budget to prioritize climate mitigation and cut tax breaks for fossil fuel companies. (The Climate Center)

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

As state budget negotiations continue, groups fighting climate change are asking California lawmakers to cut subsidies for oil and gas companies …

Protesters rallied in San Diego in 2012 against trade agreements that allow corporations to sue for future profits when governments deny permits. (Arthur Stamoulis/Trade Justice Education Fund)<br />

Climate activists call on U.S. company to halt trade lawsuit over LNG

Environmental activists are rallying today in Sunnyvale, asking the American company Ruby River Capital to drop a lawsuit the protesters called "a …

Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego celebrates a bilingual Mass for Earth Week at St. James Church in Solana Beach, California, April 17, 2021. (CNS/The Southern Cross/John Gastaldo)

San Diego Catholic Diocese divests from fossil fuels

By Brian Roewe for Earthbeat.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service …

A bill called Save Our Sequoias to fund wildfire resilience is tucked into this year's farm bill, currently being negotiated in Congress. (Save the Redwoods League)

Major progress in effort to protect CA giant sequoias from megafires

Crews have been ramping up wildfire resilience projects to thin out brush and dead wood in California's giant sequoia groves, clearing twice as many …

Small seasonal streams lost Clean Water Act protections last year when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the Biden administration in 'Sackett v. EPA.' (Derrick/Adobe Stock)

On World Water Day, advocates call on Congress to reinstate protections

Today is World Water Day, established 21 years ago by the United Nations to promote clean, fresh water. This year, advocates in the U.S. are …

New EPA rules on vehicle emissions aim to save drivers money through reduced fuel and maintenance costs of electric and hybrid vehicles. (Tongpatong/Adobestock)

Environmental advocates cheer new EPA clean-car rules

Clean-air groups are calling the Biden administration's new rules on vehicle pollution the single biggest action the Environmental Protection Agency h…

An estimated 3 million Californians live within 3,200 feet of an oil or gas well. (MSPhotographic/Adobestock)

CA referendum would lift ban on new oil wells near homes

A referendum on the ballot this fall gives California voters the chance to either uphold or reject a law which would require oil and gas wells to be s…

Leaders from the Yurok Tribe and the nonprofit Save the Redwoods walk among native plants planted as part of a revegetation effort at 'O Rew. (Evan-Marie Petit)

Historic agreement to return Redwoods land to Yurok Tribe

Plans to open a new gateway to Redwoods State and National Parks got a big boost Tuesday, paving the way for a key parcel of land to be returned to …

A proposal before the California Air Resources Board would allow fossil fuel producers in California to buy credits from factory farms that use anaerobic digesters like these to extract methane from animal waste. (Rob Thomas/Adobe Stock)

Midwest community activists slam proposed CA emissions incentives

Community groups in the Midwest are worried a change in California carbon emissions policy could hurt quality of life in the nation's heartland…

Water flows through part of Dos Rios Ranch Preserve. The former farmland now acts as a storage area for floodwaters during wet years. (Cameron Nielsen/Grist)

How can California solve its water woes? By flooding its best farmland

By Jake Bittle for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration Th…

Many school lunch programs are introducing more non-meat, non-dairy meals to normalize a healthier, more climate-friendly plant-based diet. (CivilEats)

California leads way in low-carbon school meals

By Naoki Nitta for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public Ne…

The Ports for People ordinance calls for more vessels like the Maersk ship Laura, which is the first low-emissions container ship powered by methanol. (Jens Dorhn/Creative Commons)

Conservation group promotes 'Ports for People' ordinance

Groups concerned about air pollution and public health are asking the city councils of Long Beach and Los Angeles and their respective Harbor Commissi…

California is home to 18 national forests, covering more than 20 million acres of land. (Galyna Andrushko/Adobe Stock)

Conservation groups cheer feds' move to protect old-growth forests

Groups fighting to protect public lands are praising first-of-their-kind moves to protect old-growth forests on U.S. Forest Service land. The Biden …

California is streamlining the permitting process for floating offshore wind turbines. (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

CA offshore wind projects picking up steam

The California Energy Commission has just released its strategic plan for offshore wind, and more than 200 elected officials across the state have …

Santa Barbara County Fire Department's Firehawk is shown making a water drop. It can hold 1,000 gallons per trip. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Dept.)

Ahead of fire season, tips on how to protect home and family

California's wildfire death toll has ticked down in recent years, mostly because mega-fires have managed to avoid urban areas. Firefighters have …

An octopus hides out while a squat lobster stands guard beneath a vase sponge at a recently identified reef off Santa Barbara Island. (Oceana)

CA coral reefs protected as new fishing areas reopen

Good news for fishing crews and marine conservationists: Large fishing grounds are reopening, while other areas receive new protections. Some 4,500 …

The California Public Utilities Commission rejected a plan by So Cal Edison to help consumers buy new appliances, like electric heat pumps, arguing current state and federal programs are sufficient. (Arnt Brandseth/Wikimedia Commons)

CA Public Utilities Commission rejects electrification plan, draws criticism

The California Public Utilities Commission rejected Southern California Edison's plan to help families trade in their gas appliances for electric…

The Madre Tierra project is active in many communities in California, including the Oxnard, Mecca and Salinas areas. (Alianza Nacional de Campesinas)

New grant helps CA farmworker women grow sustainable gardens

Women across California who are farmworkers will get help to maintain home and community gardens using fewer pesticides. It is the goal of a grant …

Around 99% of species listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1973, including the chinook salmon, have been saved from extinction. (Ryan Hagerty/USFWS)

Endangered Species Act turns 50 today

Fifty years ago today, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act into law - establishing protections that saved species such as the …

The 2023 America's Health Rankings report showed a 38% increase in the rate of premature death for people under 75 between 2018 and 2021. (sudok1/Adobe Stock)

Report: CA needs work on air pollution, colorectal cancer screenings

The 2023 America's Health Rankings report is out, and the news is not great for the Golden State in three very different areas. California ranks …

The Environmental Protection Agency estimated between 2024 and 2038, its new methane rule will save enough gas to heat nearly 8 million homes for the winter. (Carsten Reisinger/Adobestock)

New rules to reduce methane emissions aim to fight climate change

Groups fighting climate change are praising the Environmental Protection Agency's new rules, which aim to reduce the amount of methane leaked into …

The Mecca Hills, southeast of the Coachella Valley, are part of the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument. (Bureau of Land Management)

CA Tribes press to protect more land at White House Tribal Nations Summit

California tribes are headed to the White House Tribal Nations Summit tomorrow, where they will ask Congress and the Biden administration to create …

The Environmental Protection Agency is working on rules that will incentivize the transition to heavy-duty electric vehicles. (VanderWolf Images/Adobestock)

Lawmakers, advocates press EPA for strict emissions rule for heavy-duty trucks

As the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai wraps up, Democratic lawmakers and clean-air advocates are calling on the Environmental …

The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest in the country and is serviced by thousands of trucks per day. (City of Long Beach)

As climate change conference opens, one CA city takes action

As world leaders gather in Dubai for the international conference on climate change, the City of Long Beach is acting on multiple fronts to help the …

A detail from an illustration created by Hopelab depicts climate anxiety among youth. (Julie Tinker/Hopelab)

Research links climate-change impacts to depression in high schoolers

New research found natural disasters and pollution linked to climate change are contributing factors to high rates of anxiety and depression among you…

Research shows people who live near parks or natural spaces have lower rates of disease and higher rates of social cohesion. (Yaya Ernst/Adobestock)

California launches new 'outdoors for all' strategy

Have you ever wanted to see the California redwoods, play in the Sierra snow, take a dip at the beach or just throw a family barbecue at the park? …

Researchers are looking into whether reflective white paint on asphalt could reduce surface temperatures and thus reduce suffering in areas that host people experiencing homelessness. (Renee C. Byer/Sacramento Bee)

Can white paint be a part of the solution to combat climate change?

A new super-white paint in development may be a tool in the fight against climate change. Researchers at Purdue University are hoping to bring to …

According to Pacific Environment, wind-assist propulsion can reduce greenhouse gas emissions per cargo ship by 30% over the course of a voyage. (Cargill and BAR Technologies)

Southern CA ports lead the way for 'green' shipping

The importance of making ports and shipping more environmentally friendly was the topic of a town hall meeting on Tuesday. Three California members …

Students in Porterville, Calif., work on a project as part of the green curriculum offered via a partnership with the nonprofit Climate Action Pathways for Schools. (CAPS)

CA high schools offer credit for climate action

By Anya Kamenetz for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration …

A landscaper learns about the capabilities and benefits of electric blowers. (American Green Zone Alliance)

Experts: Upcoming CA gas-blower ban requires money, education, tolerance

Starting January 1st, California's ban on the sale of new gas-powered mowers and blowers will go into effect; and experts say the transition will …

Advocates gathered at a Monday news conference in Moreno Valley, Calif., to highlight a court ruling against a large warehouse proposal. (Joycelyn Sida)

CA enviro groups celebrate ruling against big warehouse proposal

Local environmental activists are applauding a big win in court against a large warehouse project proposed in Moreno Valley. A Riverside Superior …

Funding for climate-friendly programs, including urban greening projects, is available via the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law. (Ukasz/Adobestock). <br />

Climate change groups urge CA to prioritize nature-based solutions

Conservation advocates are pressing the state to set ambitious targets for nature-based climate solutions this week. The California Natural …

The keynote speaker at the first annual Student Leadership Summit will be State Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Hundreds of youth leaders gather for summit this weekend

Several hundred high school and college students are gathering online for the first annual Student Leadership Summit this weekend, hosted by the …

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates its proposed standards would remove nearly 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions through 2055. (D. Jakli/Adobestock)

Climate change advocates press EPA to enact clean-car standards

Local officials concerned about climate change are speaking out, urging the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize its proposed clean-car …

Deadline nears in CA, U.S., for climate proposals under 'green bank' initiative

Cities and nonprofits are racing to finish their applications for the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund - the deadline is October 12…

On large dairy farms or other animal operations, a slurry of manure is funneled into an anaerobic digester, where microbes produce gas, which is piped away. (Erikdegraaf/Adob Sstock)

Renewable Natural Gas: Climate Change Solution or False Hope?

By John Carey for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the…

An artist's rendering of the proposed Pier Wind manufacturing platform in Long Beach shows how the floating facility would appear from the water. (Port of Long Beach)

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

In the waning days of the legislative session in Sacramento, climate change groups are promoting two bills which would smooth the way for offshore …

El programa Climate Careers del Rising Sun Center for Opportunity de Oakland emplea a j�venes adultos para ayudar a las familias a mejorar la eficiencia energ�tica de sus hogares. (Rising Sun Center for Opportunity)

Se prevé que los empleos ecológicos en CA aumenten un 7%

Se prevé que los empleos ecológicos en el Estado Dorado aumenten más de un 7% en los próximos cinco años, según un …

The Climate Careers program with the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity in Oakland employs young adults to help families improve their home's energy efficiency. (Rising Sun Center for Opportunity)

Green Jobs in CA Projected to Rise 7%

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Col…

Private investment in clean technology like hydrogen, carbon capture and energy storage has increased between 50 and 200 percent from initial estimates, according to the Brookings Institution and the Rhodium group. (Rufous/Adobestock)

Assessing Climate Investments On 1st Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

The Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act turns one year old today, directing $370 billion to clean energy efforts through tax incentives…

Fans of Popular Movies, Books Fuel Activism

By Britny Cordera for imagine5.com.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

Conversation groups about climate change are part of a new strategy to motivate people to take action. (Mental Health America/Pexels)

All Talk, and Some Action: Conversation Groups about Climate Change

By Katherine Rapin for Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

Since the year 2000, California has experienced 15 of its 20 most destructive wildfires on record. (Ryan Reed/FireGen)

College Students Work to Change our Relationship With Fire

By Colleen Hagerty for Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

El Route Zero Relay arranc� en el muelle de Santa M�nica y recorri� el pa�s por la Ruta 66. (RtZero.org)

Finaliza hoy fecha límite para comentarios públicos sobre normas de emisiones de vehículos

Hoy es el último día para expresar su opinión sobre las normas de emisiones de vehículos propuestas por la E-P-A. Las nuevas …

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CA: Environment