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Environmental advocates are asking California's next state budget to prioritize climate mitigation and cut tax breaks for fossil fuel companies. (The Climate Center)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

As state budget negotiations continue, groups fighting climate change are asking California lawmakers to cut subsidies for oil and gas companies …

Protesters rallied in San Diego in 2012 against trade agreements that allow corporations to sue for future profits when governments deny permits. (Arthur Stamoulis/Trade Justice Education Fund)<br />

Climate activists call on U.S. company to halt trade lawsuit over LNG

Environmental activists are rallying today in Sunnyvale, asking the American company Ruby River Capital to drop a lawsuit the protesters called "a …

Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego celebrates a bilingual Mass for Earth Week at St. James Church in Solana Beach, California, April 17, 2021. (CNS/The Southern Cross/John Gastaldo)

San Diego Catholic Diocese divests from fossil fuels

By Brian Roewe for Earthbeat.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service …

A bill called Save Our Sequoias to fund wildfire resilience is tucked into this year's farm bill, currently being negotiated in Congress. (Save the Redwoods League)

Major progress in effort to protect CA giant sequoias from megafires

Crews have been ramping up wildfire resilience projects to thin out brush and dead wood in California's giant sequoia groves, clearing twice as many …

An estimated 3 million Californians live within 3,200 feet of an oil or gas well. (MSPhotographic/Adobestock)

CA referendum would lift ban on new oil wells near homes

A referendum on the ballot this fall gives California voters the chance to either uphold or reject a law which would require oil and gas wells to be s…

New EPA rules on vehicle emissions aim to save drivers money through reduced fuel and maintenance costs of electric and hybrid vehicles. (Tongpatong/Adobestock)

Environmental advocates cheer new EPA clean-car rules

Clean-air groups are calling the Biden administration's new rules on vehicle pollution the single biggest action the Environmental Protection Agency h…

Water flows through part of Dos Rios Ranch Preserve. The former farmland now acts as a storage area for floodwaters during wet years. (Cameron Nielsen/Grist)

How can California solve its water woes? By flooding its best farmland

By Jake Bittle for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration Th…

Protests in favor of sending U.S. aid to Ukraine are planned across the country on Saturday to mark two years since the conflict began. (Igor Tregub)

Rallies across CA, U.S. planned for anniversary of Ukraine invasion

Pro-Ukraine rallies are planned in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco as well as cities across the United States this weekend, marking the …

Many school lunch programs are introducing more non-meat, non-dairy meals to normalize a healthier, more climate-friendly plant-based diet. (CivilEats)

California leads way in low-carbon school meals

By Naoki Nitta for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public Ne…

The Ports for People ordinance calls for more vessels like the Maersk ship Laura, which is the first low-emissions container ship powered by methanol. (Jens Dorhn/Creative Commons)

Conservation group promotes 'Ports for People' ordinance

Groups concerned about air pollution and public health are asking the city councils of Long Beach and Los Angeles and their respective Harbor Commissi…

California is streamlining the permitting process for floating offshore wind turbines. (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

CA offshore wind projects picking up steam

The California Energy Commission has just released its strategic plan for offshore wind, and more than 200 elected officials across the state have …

Santa Barbara County Fire Department's Firehawk is shown making a water drop. It can hold 1,000 gallons per trip. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Dept.)

Ahead of fire season, tips on how to protect home and family

California's wildfire death toll has ticked down in recent years, mostly because mega-fires have managed to avoid urban areas. Firefighters have …

The Environmental Protection Agency estimated between 2024 and 2038, its new methane rule will save enough gas to heat nearly 8 million homes for the winter. (Carsten Reisinger/Adobestock)

New rules to reduce methane emissions aim to fight climate change

Groups fighting climate change are praising the Environmental Protection Agency's new rules, which aim to reduce the amount of methane leaked into …

The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest in the country and is serviced by thousands of trucks per day. (City of Long Beach)

As climate change conference opens, one CA city takes action

As world leaders gather in Dubai for the international conference on climate change, the City of Long Beach is acting on multiple fronts to help the …

A detail from an illustration created by Hopelab depicts climate anxiety among youth. (Julie Tinker/Hopelab)

Research links climate-change impacts to depression in high schoolers

New research found natural disasters and pollution linked to climate change are contributing factors to high rates of anxiety and depression among you…

Researchers are looking into whether reflective white paint on asphalt could reduce surface temperatures and thus reduce suffering in areas that host people experiencing homelessness. (Renee C. Byer/Sacramento Bee)

Can white paint be a part of the solution to combat climate change?

A new super-white paint in development may be a tool in the fight against climate change. Researchers at Purdue University are hoping to bring to …

According to Pacific Environment, wind-assist propulsion can reduce greenhouse gas emissions per cargo ship by 30% over the course of a voyage. (Cargill and BAR Technologies)

Southern CA ports lead the way for 'green' shipping

The importance of making ports and shipping more environmentally friendly was the topic of a town hall meeting on Tuesday. Three California members …

Activists are calling for climate action ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in San Francisco. (Bay Climate Action)<br />

Activists petition world leaders for climate action at CA trade summit

Climate activists will deliver a petition with 15,000 signatures today to trade negotiators ahead of next week's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation For…

Students in Porterville, Calif., work on a project as part of the green curriculum offered via a partnership with the nonprofit Climate Action Pathways for Schools. (CAPS)

CA high schools offer credit for climate action

By Anya Kamenetz for Grist.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration …

DTE's Mount Poso biomass facility in Bakersfield converts wood waste into electricity. (Benjamin Weatherston)

'Bioenergy Day' promotes use of forest debris to generate power

Wednesday is National Bioenergy Day, which raises awareness about local renewable wood energy markets that convert waste wood into energy. 66 …

Funding for climate-friendly programs, including urban greening projects, is available via the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law. (Ukasz/Adobestock). <br />

Climate change groups urge CA to prioritize nature-based solutions

Conservation advocates are pressing the state to set ambitious targets for nature-based climate solutions this week. The California Natural …

The keynote speaker at the first annual Student Leadership Summit will be State Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Hundreds of youth leaders gather for summit this weekend

Several hundred high school and college students are gathering online for the first annual Student Leadership Summit this weekend, hosted by the …

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates its proposed standards would remove nearly 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions through 2055. (D. Jakli/Adobestock)

Climate change advocates press EPA to enact clean-car standards

Local officials concerned about climate change are speaking out, urging the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize its proposed clean-car …

Deadline nears in CA, U.S., for climate proposals under 'green bank' initiative

Cities and nonprofits are racing to finish their applications for the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund - the deadline is October 12…

On large dairy farms or other animal operations, a slurry of manure is funneled into an anaerobic digester, where microbes produce gas, which is piped away. (Erikdegraaf/Adob Sstock)

Renewable Natural Gas: Climate Change Solution or False Hope?

By John Carey for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the…

An artist's rendering of the proposed Pier Wind manufacturing platform in Long Beach shows how the floating facility would appear from the water. (Port of Long Beach)

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

In the waning days of the legislative session in Sacramento, climate change groups are promoting two bills which would smooth the way for offshore …

El programa Climate Careers del Rising Sun Center for Opportunity de Oakland emplea a j�venes adultos para ayudar a las familias a mejorar la eficiencia energ�tica de sus hogares. (Rising Sun Center for Opportunity)

Se prevé que los empleos ecológicos en CA aumenten un 7%

Se prevé que los empleos ecológicos en el Estado Dorado aumenten más de un 7% en los próximos cinco años, según un …

The Climate Careers program with the Rising Sun Center for Opportunity in Oakland employs young adults to help families improve their home's energy efficiency. (Rising Sun Center for Opportunity)

Green Jobs in CA Projected to Rise 7%

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Col…

Private investment in clean technology like hydrogen, carbon capture and energy storage has increased between 50 and 200 percent from initial estimates, according to the Brookings Institution and the Rhodium group. (Rufous/Adobestock)

Assessing Climate Investments On 1st Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

The Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act turns one year old today, directing $370 billion to clean energy efforts through tax incentives…

Conversation groups about climate change are part of a new strategy to motivate people to take action. (Mental Health America/Pexels)

All Talk, and Some Action: Conversation Groups about Climate Change

By Katherine Rapin for Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

The state is looking at placing floating wind turbines off the coasts of Morro Bay and Humboldt to add renewable power to the grid. (University of Maine)

Local Leaders Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

Local elected officials are speaking out in support of two bills to usher in offshore wind in California. Assembly Bill 3 would require the state to …

Since the year 2000, California has experienced 15 of its 20 most destructive wildfires on record. (Ryan Reed/FireGen)

College Students Work to Change our Relationship With Fire

By Colleen Hagerty for Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

El Route Zero Relay arranc� en el muelle de Santa M�nica y recorri� el pa�s por la Ruta 66. (RtZero.org)

Finaliza hoy fecha límite para comentarios públicos sobre normas de emisiones de vehículos

Hoy es el último día para expresar su opinión sobre las normas de emisiones de vehículos propuestas por la E-P-A. Las nuevas …

The Route Zero Relay kicked off at the Santa Monica Pier and traveled across the country on Route 66. (RtZero.org)

Deadline Today for Public Comment on Vehicle Emissions Standards

Today is the last day to put in your two cents on proposed vehicle emissions standards from the Environmental Protection Agency. The new rules would …

Quinn Redwoods sits by the water at Lake Merritt in Oakland, one of the locations where people from Mask Oakland have distributed masks to protect people from smoke during and following wildfires. (Photo by Nina Thompson for YR Media and CatchLight Local as part of a reporting collaboration with Grist and Next City)

When Wildfires Choke CA, This Nonprofit Helps People Breathe Easier

By Nina Thompson for Next City.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

California's flood control strategy includes reintroducing beavers to the state's rivers, because their dams help flood meadows, which allows the water to percolate down to the aquifer. (Jillian/Adobe Stock)

As CA Faces Massive Snowmelt, Experts Call for Better Flood Management

Snowmelt from this winter's heavy storms threatens significant flooding - and conservation groups are calling for large-scale restoration of wetlands …

Trees being clear-cut in a forest near Tuckahoe, North Carolina, for use in wood pellet production. (TV2 Denmark)

Hearing Tomorrow on Proposal to Build CA's First Large Wood Pellet Plants

Conservation groups are encouraging people to speak out at a virtual hearing tomorrow on two proposed wood pellet plants. They would be among the …

Apple TV bills its 2023 show Extrapolations as one that

Why Hollywood is Finally Tackling Climate Change

By Whitney Bauck for Fast Company.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

A 2014 study predicted one million new homes will be built in very high wildfire severity zones between the years 2000 and 2050. (Sundry Photography/Adobestock)

Experts: Wildfire Risk Hurting CA Home Values, Increasing Insurance Costs

It is getting increasingly expensive to have a home on the edge of the woods in California, in terms of home value and insurance costs. A new study …

Advocates of a Climate Peace Clause protested outside trade negotiations in Los Angeles last year. (Will Wiltschko/Trade Justice Education Fund)

Trade Justice Advocates Call for Climate Peace Clause in U.S.-E.U. Trade Talks

Next week, trade negotiations resume in Sweden between the U.S. and the European Union, and advocates are urging all parties to sign a "Climate Peace …

A schoolyard in Concord, California. More than 4.2 million of the students in California public schools are on campuses with less than 10% tree canopy, half with less than 5%. (Sharon Danks)

Reimagining Schoolyards to Improve Health and Learning

By Carl Smith for Governing.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News…

The Scattergood Generating Station's iconic red-and-white emissions stacks will be obsolete when it adds a hydrogen-burning unit in 2029. (Caleigh Wells)

LA’s Controversial Plan to Switch Gas Plant to Hydrogen

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

Santa Monica Beach is seen on a clear day, Feb. 25, 2022. The air is cleaner than in the past; South Coast Air Quality Management District says ozone levels are at less than half of what they were in the 1950s. (Amy Ta)

Hotter, More Humid, But Cleaner: How L.A.’s Air Has Changed

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

Urban forestry crews across the United States are choosing hardier tree species more likely to withstand stressors linked to climate change. (Cokko Swain/American Forests)

Rethinking Urban Plantings to Survive Climate Change

By Kate Wheeling for Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-P…

More than 500 elected officials have signed a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom in favor of a bill to establish accountability for price-gouging at California gas pumps. (Misunseo)

CA Bill to Fight Gas Price-Gouging Expected to Pass Today

A bill designed to fight price-gouging at the gas pump is expected to pass the California State Assembly today and be signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom …

Clear-cutting a forest can leave behind a scarred landscape, as seen in this 2019 photo from an area linked to the Enviva Northampton wood pellet plant in Garysburg, North Carolina. (Dogwood Alliance)

Climate Groups Spotlight Destruction Linked to Wood Pellet Industry

Climate-change groups are calling attention to the environmental destruction linked to the wood pellet industry - even as California is considering a …

The Los Angeles basin is prone to smog. California last updated its air-pollution rules on particulate matter in 2002. (Chris M/Adobe Stock)

CA Groups Pressure Feds to Tighten Air-Quality Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new rules on soot in order to clean up the nation's air. Advocates say while it is a step in the …

Almost 3 million people live within 3,200 feet of an operational oil well in California. (Last Chance Alliance)

Groups Mobilize to Defend Ban on New Oil and Gas Wells Near Homes

Supporters of a California law to ban oil and gas drilling within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites like homes and schools are gearing up to fight a new b…

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PNS Daily Newscast - April 18, 2024

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CA: Climate Change

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

Climate activists call on U.S. company to halt trade lawsuit over LNG

San Diego Catholic Diocese divests from fossil fuels

Major progress in effort to protect CA giant sequoias from megafires

CA referendum would lift ban on new oil wells near homes

Environmental advocates cheer new EPA clean-car rules

How can California solve its water woes? By flooding its best farmland

Rallies across CA, U.S. planned for anniversary of Ukraine invasion

California leads way in low-carbon school meals

Conservation group promotes 'Ports for People' ordinance

CA offshore wind projects picking up steam

Ahead of fire season, tips on how to protect home and family

New rules to reduce methane emissions aim to fight climate change

As climate change conference opens, one CA city takes action

Research links climate-change impacts to depression in high schoolers

Can white paint be a part of the solution to combat climate change?

Southern CA ports lead the way for 'green' shipping

Activists petition world leaders for climate action at CA trade summit

CA high schools offer credit for climate action

'Bioenergy Day' promotes use of forest debris to generate power

Climate change groups urge CA to prioritize nature-based solutions

Hundreds of youth leaders gather for summit this weekend

Climate change advocates press EPA to enact clean-car standards

Deadline nears in CA, U.S., for climate proposals under 'green bank' initiative

Renewable Natural Gas: Climate Change Solution or False Hope?

Climate Change Groups Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

Se prevé que los empleos ecológicos en CA aumenten un 7%

Green Jobs in CA Projected to Rise 7%

Assessing Climate Investments On 1st Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

All Talk, and Some Action: Conversation Groups about Climate Change

Local Leaders Press for Passage of Offshore Wind Bills

College Students Work to Change our Relationship With Fire

Finaliza hoy fecha límite para comentarios públicos sobre normas de emisiones de vehículos

Deadline Today for Public Comment on Vehicle Emissions Standards

When Wildfires Choke CA, This Nonprofit Helps People Breathe Easier

As CA Faces Massive Snowmelt, Experts Call for Better Flood Management

Hearing Tomorrow on Proposal to Build CA's First Large Wood Pellet Plants

Why Hollywood is Finally Tackling Climate Change

Experts: Wildfire Risk Hurting CA Home Values, Increasing Insurance Costs

Trade Justice Advocates Call for Climate Peace Clause in U.S.-E.U. Trade Talks

Reimagining Schoolyards to Improve Health and Learning

LA’s Controversial Plan to Switch Gas Plant to Hydrogen

Hotter, More Humid, But Cleaner: How L.A.’s Air Has Changed

Rethinking Urban Plantings to Survive Climate Change

CA Bill to Fight Gas Price-Gouging Expected to Pass Today

Climate Groups Spotlight Destruction Linked to Wood Pellet Industry

CA Groups Pressure Feds to Tighten Air-Quality Standards

Groups Mobilize to Defend Ban on New Oil and Gas Wells Near Homes