California 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.
Rachel Becker / CalMatters
Posted inCoast Life
New gas-powered lawn equipment banned in California in 2024
Despite opposition from gardeners worried about the costs, the state air board set zero-emission standards for new models of lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other equipment, which are a big source of smog-forming emissions.
Posted inEnvironment
Cars and trucks: How international climate promises compare to California’s mandates
Nations addressing climate change took on gasoline and diesel vehicles in pledges that mirror California’s mandates and plans — and in some cases, go even further.
Posted inEnvironment
As UN tackles twin climate threats, California struggles with them, too
UN nations have pledged to reduce climate-changing methane and forest destruction within 10 years. California has been trying to handle both problems, with limited success.
Posted inLatest News
What’s at stake for California at climate conference as Newsom backs out?
Gov. Newsom and state leaders are going to an international conference to make a statement on California climate change policy. The governor has big shoes to fill compared to former Gov. Jerry Brown.
Posted inEnvironment
Newsom declares drought emergency across California
Gov. Newsom expands the California drought emergency from 50 counties to statewide, but does not order mandatory water conservation. He did authorize water regulators to ban wasteful water use, such as spraying down public sidewalks.
Posted inEnvironment
As California’s drought deepens, water use drops only 1.8%
Officials warn that next year’s cuts in water supply could go even deeper as severe drought grips nearly 90% of California. Residents of the North Coast and Bay Area conserved more than Southern Californians did.
Posted inLatest News
Water shortages: Why some Californians are running out in 2021 and others aren’t
Drought resilience depends on location but also extraordinary engineering — determining which California places are running out of water this year and which remain in good shape.
Posted inEnvironment
California approves electric car mandate for Uber and Lyft
The air board unanimously adopted a rule that aims to cut greenhouse gases from ride-hailing companies. The big question is: Who will pay for the cleaner vehicles?
Posted inEnvironment
Running out of water and time: How unprepared is California for 2021’s drought?
With most of the state gripped by extreme dryness, some conditions are better, some worse, than the last record-breaking drought. Over-pumping of wells hasn’t stopped. But urban residents haven’t lapsed back into water-wasting lifestyles.