News Archive

California has invested heavily in switching away from gas-powered cars to meet its climate goals. Now Gov. Newsom has proposed sending out checks to car owners to help with the price of gas.

State Government

Audit: California utilities aren’t doing enough to reduce wildfire threats

March 24, 2022

Regulators approved “seriously deficient” fire prevention plans, including from PG&E, which sparked California’s deadliest wildfire, state auditor says.

Environment

Sacramento County juggles dueling concerns in final draft of climate action plan

March 24, 2022 | Manola Secaira

With its sights set on carbon neutrality by 2030, the county is attempting to balance concerns over cost with whether its actions are aggressive enough.

Environment

State unveils long-awaited standard for drinking water contaminant

March 22, 2022

California’s proposed limit for hexavalent chromium — the first in the nation — would raise water rates in many cities. The contaminant, linked to cancer, was made infamous by Erin Brockovich.

Environment

Getting healthy, nutritious foods to California students isn’t easy. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is making it her priority issue.

March 21, 2022 | Janelle Salanga | Manola Secaira

The state is working to track progress on efforts to serve students healthier food, and a new “farm-to-school road map for success” report is putting the spotlight on youth food insecurity and literacy.

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Food and Sustainability

Interview: Where Sacramento stands on California's new food waste recycling program

March 15, 2022 | Randol White

Erin Treadwell spoke with us about a yet-to-be fully implemented California law that requires all residents and businesses to separate food waste from other trash.

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Environment

Californians used more water as state braces for another dry year

March 15, 2022

New data from urban areas suggests that people are ignoring the governor’s pleas for voluntary conservation during the drought. Some experts say it’s time for Newsom to issue a mandatory order.

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Environment

UC Davis researchers are using ultrasounds to help endangered abalone spawn

March 15, 2022 | Steve Milne

Ultrasounds can be used to quickly detect when abalone are ready to spawn. The species is near extinction, and scientists at the UC Davis Marine Laboratory hope the old medical tool can help turn that around.

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Environment

California’s energy future hinges on lithium, from solar panels to batteries. Here’s what we know.

March 10, 2022 | Manola Secaira

President Joe Biden and Governor Gavin Newsom recently spoke about harvesting lithium in Southern California, where some of the most abundant sources of the mineral can be found.

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