EnvironmentPG&E could be the first utility to access California’s wildfire liability fund after starting Dixie FireJanuary 6, 2022 | Scott RoddCalifornia established the $21 billion liability fund in 2019 to help utilities cover the cost of major wildfires started by their equipment. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentMassive Dixie Fire started by PG&E equipment, Cal Fire investigators concludeJanuary 4, 2022 | Scott RoddThe Dixie Fire grew to be the second-largest fire in state history, burning over 960,000 acres and destroying over 1,300 structures. It's the latest in a string of devastating wildfires allegedly caused by the utility's equipment.
EnvironmentNo, California’s drought isn’t over. Here’s why.January 4, 2022California today issued emergency drought rules aimed at wasteful water use. Although snowpack is 150% of average today, climatologists predict dry conditions for the rest of the season. And conservation still lags. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentCalifornia Wildfire History MapJanuary 4, 2022 | Emily Zentner | Liz AndersonAs the climate changes and forest fuel loads aren’t properly managed, California’s wildfire season is changing. See how it has shifted over time in this interactive map.
EnvironmentSierra Nevada storms leave tens of thousands without powerDecember 31, 2021 | Chris NicholsPG&E says downed trees and snow are blocking access to damaged equipment. Some customers could be waiting more than a week for power to return.
EnvironmentStrong Sierra snow measurement prompts cautious optimism from water officialsDecember 30, 2021 | Ed FletcherState water officials cheered the results of a key Sierra snow measurement, but say it needs to keep coming. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentWalmart sued for allegedly dumping hazardous waste in CaliforniaDecember 20, 2021Investigators said inspections of trash compactors from Walmart stores over the last six years found dozens of items classified as either hazardous waste or customer records with personal information.
EnvironmentUp to 100 inches of snow forecast for the Sierra over Christmas weekDecember 20, 2021 | Steve Milne | Chris HaganThe strong winter storm could make travel through the mountains difficult, dropping 80-100 inches from Tuesday to Monday, as many people travel for the winter holidays.
EnvironmentAfter years of delays, CalFire says updated and expanded wildfire hazard maps are on their wayDecember 20, 2021 | Chris NicholsThe fire hazard severity maps show which areas are most vulnerable to wildfire in California and were last updated in 2007.
EnvironmentCalifornia lawmakers look to create first-in-the-nation heatwave ranking systemDecember 15, 2021 | Randol WhiteIn an effort to reduce the number of fatalities caused by hotter and longer periods of intense heat, state politicians will introduce a system to name and rank heatwaves. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.