Environment

California protects its Joshua trees. A new bill could allow more to be cut down for development

Environmentalists warn that a California Democrat’s bill “drives a bulldozer” through the state’s new law that protects imperiled Joshua trees from commercial development. But the lawmaker says his impoverished desert region desperately needs the economic boost.

By Ryan Sabalow • May 1, 2024

Water

California sets nation’s first water standard for cancer-causing contaminant

Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.

By Rachel Becker • April 17, 2024

Water

California acts to halt Kings County’s groundwater overpumping

State officials, for the first time, put a local groundwater basin on probation to stop overuse. The order triggers hefty fees and mandatory reporting of well use.

By Rachel Becker • April 16, 2024

Oil pumps around the Elk Hills Power Station along Elk Hills Road on March 29, 2024. The Elk Hills oil field is the site of the new carbon capture project that captures carbon emissions from oil and gas facilities and then injects them underground. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Climate Change

Vital climate tool or license to pollute? The battle over California’s first carbon capture project

Rural Latino communities are divided about the project, which would capture carbon from an oilfield and power plant — and allow an oil company to keep operating as the state struggles to slash greenhouse gases.

By Alejandro Lazo • April 16, 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

Jose Villanueva carries siding while building a home in Paradise on Oct. 25, 2023. The project is partly funded by ReCoverCA, a state program providing money to rebuild homes in disaster areas. Photo by Noah Berger, AP Photo

Wildfires

California requires new homes to have solar panels. Should wildfire victims get a break?

A California Republican’s bill would exempt low and middle income wildfire victims from solar panels requirements on rebuilt homes that didn’t have them when they burned down.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 12, 2024

Fishing boats docked at the marina along the Humboldt Bay shoreline in Eureka on June 6, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Water

California salmon fishing banned for second year in row

Federal officials moved to cancel commercial and recreational salmon fishing off California as the fish still aren't thriving.

By Rachel Becker • April 10, 2024

Water

‘Forever chemicals’: Water supplies throughout California will exceed new national limits

The nationwide cost to treat or replace contaminated drinking water is estimated at $1.5 billion a year. The ubiquitous chemicals, linked to cancer and other diseases, build up in people and the environment.

By Rachel Becker and John Osborn D'Agostino • April 10, 2024

Water

California farmers could save a lot of water — but their profits would suffer

California farms could use 93% less water but less-thirsty crops, such as grains and hay, are much less lucrative than nuts and fruits. Fallowing a small fraction of the thirstiest crops would save 9%.

By Rachel Becker • March 26, 2024

Waves break near beach homes in Malibu on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

Housing

Fresh batch of YIMBY housing bills clash with coastal protections (again)

After a legislative victory last year, pro-housing legislators and advocates want to strip the California Coastal Commission of more authority in order to spur housing development.

By Ben Christopher • March 18, 2024

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