EnvironmentJudge drops all charges against man arrested in connection with Caldor FireApril 23, 2024 | Claire MorganTravis Shane Smith was arrested in 2021 and charged with reckless arson and possession of a machine gun. In January, a judge ruled there was “not sufficient evidence” to take the arson charge to trial, and another dropped the gun charge this week.
EnvironmentStartups want to cool Earth by reflecting sunlight. There are few rules and big risksApril 23, 2024In a parking lot and on San Francisco Bay, NPR witnesses two different tests for solar geoengineering to tackle climate change. With much science unsettled, experts say regulations aren't keeping up.
EnvironmentWildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S.April 18, 2024Two new studies show the unseen toll smoke is taking on people across the country. Climate change is likely to make the problem even bigger.
Sacramento RegionSacramento water providers plan to meet new federal limits for ‘forever chemicals’April 17, 2024 | Kristin LamOne local water agency estimates it will cost about $45 million to remove PFAS pollution from groundwater wells.
EnvironmentCalifornia requires new homes to have solar panels. Should wildfire victims get a break?April 15, 2024A 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.
EnvironmentLooking for wildflowers near Sacramento? These hikes bring you close to Northern California’s bloomsApril 12, 2024 | Jen PicardThough the wet, colder weather we’ve experienced in 2024 hasn’t set us up for a massive wildflower bloom, Sacramento still has lots of flora coming to its peak soon. Here’s where to see it.
EnvironmentSalmon fishing off California’s coast banned for second year in a rowApril 11, 2024 | Manola SecairaAlthough state officials blame drought conditions as one reason for fish mortality, environmental groups and critics in the fishing industry blame poor water management.
EnvironmentCalifornia salmon fishing banned for second year in rowApril 11, 2024Federal officials moved to cancel commercial and recreational salmon fishing off California as the fish still aren’t thriving.
EnvironmentCourt upholds California's authority to set nation-leading vehicle emission rulesApril 10, 2024A federal appeals court has upheld California's authority to set its own nation-leading vehicle emission standards that are the strictest in the country.
EnvironmentSolar eclipse myths and rumors bubble up, from radiation to food poisoningApril 8, 2024NASA debunks these and other myths: Will a solar eclipse harm a pregnant woman's baby if she looks at it? Does an eclipse emit special radiation that can instantly blind you?