EnvironmentCalifornia now has mandatory water conservation in urban areas: How will the new rules affect your supplier?July 8, 2024The measures are substantially weaker than a previous proposal after an onslaught of criticism. But they will still save enough water through 2050 to supply the state’s entire population for a year, at a cost of $4.7 billion.
EnvironmentAs heat waves intensify, more public housing residents may get help with AC billsJuly 5, 2024For decades, public housing providers could subsidize heating bills but not air-conditioning. New Biden administration guidance changes that, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough.
EnvironmentMost evacuation orders lifted as crews continue battling Northern California wildfireJuly 5, 2024Officials say thousands of people evacuated during a Northern California wildfire have been allowed to return home. The Thompson Fire near Oroville has stayed roughly the same size since Wednesday but containment increased to 29% Thursday.
EnvironmentTo save spotted owls, US officials plan to kill hundreds of thousands of another owl speciesJuly 5, 2024U.S. wildlife officials are embracing a contentious plan to deploy trained shooters into dense West Coast forests to kill almost a half-million barred owls in coming decades.
EnvironmentWhy many illegal fireworks could be gone in California next July FourthJuly 4, 2024The biggest U.S. seller of legal fireworks wants the state to sign a deal with Nevada to stop illegal fireworks from crossing the border. The state fire marshal warns of fireworks danger this July Fourth during the heat wave.
Environment‘Extreme’ high temperatures in Northern California trigger heat, fire warningsJuly 3, 2024 | Steve Milne | Claire MorganDaytime high temperatures in Sacramento are expected to hover around 110 degrees through Sunday. And on Monday, it’ll be only slightly cooler, with an expected high of 105.
EnvironmentBiden proposes new rule to protect 36 million workers from extreme heatJuly 3, 2024President Joe Biden has proposed a new rule to address excessive heat in the workplace. The Democrat warns as tens of millions of people in the U.S. are under heat advisories that high temperatures are the country’s leading weather-related killer.
Sacramento RegionSacramento County cooling centers offer respite from heat waveJuly 2, 2024 | Kristin LamA Sacramento County cooling center near the Railyards reached 84% capacity on its first day open this week.
EnvironmentOfficials urge caution at Sacramento-area rivers as flows move fast and coldJuly 2, 2024 | Manola SecairaMore people will likely make their way to the American River to cool off as temperatures peak well above 100 degrees this week, but caution is necessary.
EnvironmentSome California cities are choosing drone shows over fireworksJuly 1, 2024 | Manola SecairaOrganizers of these shows often explain the swap as an environmental one that comes with less pollution and leftover debris.