EnvironmentCalifornia Issues First Fracking Permits In Nine Months. But COVID-19 Makes It Even More Complicated.April 9, 2020 | Ezra David RomeroFor the first time since July, California oil and gas regulators have approved permits for fracking. That alarms some residents already dealing with health issues, but the oil industry says this is helping it as the COVID-19 crisis continues. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentShould California Throw Out Environmental Rules To Help Businesses During Quarantine? ‘That’s Not Happening,’ Governor’s Office Says.April 4, 2020 | Ezra David RomeroA number of industries in California want environmental exemptions because of the economic impact of COVID-19. But the governor’s senior advisor on climate change says this is not a moment to toss out the rules.
State GovernmentPG&E To Plead Guilty To 84 Counts Of Involuntary Manslaughter Related To Camp FireMarch 23, 2020 | Chris HaganPacific Gas and Electric will plead guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter related to the 2018 Camp wildfire, the company announced Monday.
EnvironmentDrought In California Seems Inevitable. But Experts Say Don’t Panic.March 1, 2020 | Ezra David RomeroParts of California just witnessed the driest February ever, and there’s around an 80 percent chance the state will enter a full-blown drought this year. If that happens, it could be the third-driest year in just over a century.
EnvironmentCould Free Transit For Kids Help California Beat Climate Change?February 29, 2020Under a new Sacramento transit program, kids from pre-kindergarten to high school get to ride the region’s buses and light rail for free. Now, lawmakers are considering a proposal that tries to emulate the program.
Insight With Vicki GonzalezIs California Headed For A Drought?February 27, 2020January was dry. February was very dry. This doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a drought. One way this is measured is with snow surveys. There’s one happening today at Phillips Station. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentSMUD Wins In Giving Builders Solar Options, Advocates Say It Sets A Dangerous PrecedentFebruary 20, 2020 | Ezra David RomeroThe California Energy Commission unanimously voted to allow the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to offer builders and homeowners an option for community solar, in addition or instead of rooftop solar on new homes.
EnvironmentIf Bumble Bees Become Endangered In California, Farmers Say It Sets A ‘Dangerous Precedent’February 5, 2020 | Ezra David RomeroCalifornia native bees could become the first insects on the state’s endangered species list. But listing them is angering some farmers and growers that rely on bees to pollinate their crops.
EnvironmentSierra Nevada Snowpack Below Average, But Nowhere Near Levels From Most Recent DroughtJanuary 31, 2020 | Randol WhiteThe snowpack California relies on for much of its annual water supply is around 79 percent of average we head into February. Officials said that while below average, the conditions are decent.
EnvironmentFolsom Dam Is Getting Taller In Effort To Lower Flood Risk In SacramentoJanuary 21, 2020 | Bob MoffittThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is making the area around Folsom Lake higher with the hope of protecting residents in cases of extreme weather and flooding.