Public News Service

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…

Waymo is currently offering a free introductory ride-share service in Los Angeles and uses a paid model in San Francisco. (Waymo)

Backlash after regulators permit robotaxis on LA, SF freeways

A bill to grant local cities the ability to regulate autonomous vehicles is getting a lot more attention after the California Public Utilities Commiss…

Juntos Park in Los Angeles� Glassell Park neighborhood is being renovated with funds from the Bezos Earth Fund�s Greening America�s Cities Initiative by a local non-profit community building environmental organization, Mujeres De la Tierra.(LA County Parks and Rec.)<br />

'GreenLatinos' offers $1 million in grants for green spaces in L.A.

Up to $1 million in grants are up for grabs in Los Angeles for local groups to build or expand community parks, gardens and green spaces. The Bezos …

The Environmental Protection Agency is working on rules that will incentivize the transition to heavy-duty electric vehicles. (VanderWolf Images/Adobestock)

Lawmakers, advocates press EPA for strict emissions rule for heavy-duty trucks

As the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai wraps up, Democratic lawmakers and clean-air advocates are calling on the Environmental …

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 …

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that wider street lanes contribute to high rates of traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. (Olga/Adobestock)<br />

Traffic lanes: the narrower the better?

Redrawing some California traffic lanes to make them narrower would make many city streets safer according to a new study from Johns Hopkins Universit…

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 …

Advocates gathered at a Monday news conference in Moreno Valley, Calif., to highlight a court ruling against a large warehouse proposal. (Joycelyn Sida)

CA enviro groups celebrate ruling against big warehouse proposal

Local environmental activists are applauding a big win in court against a large warehouse project proposed in Moreno Valley. A Riverside Superior …

The Watt EV depot at the Port of Long Beach is the first in a planned network of charging stations for heavy- and medium-duty electric trucks. (WattEV)

Companies press EPA to adopt ambitious rules for zero-emission trucks

Advocates for electric vehicles and clean air are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to take aggressive measures as it decides on new emission…

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

Sky-high gas prices hit California drivers in the spring, summer and fall of 2022, before retreating to more normal levels in winter, after the midterm elections. (QuietWord/Adobe Stock)

Hearing Today on CA Gas Price-Gouging Bill

California lawmakers hold a hearing in Sacramento today on a bill to hold oil companies and gasoline refiners accountable for alleged price gouging…

California is expected to need more than 1.2 million chargers by 2030 to meet the fueling demands of the 7.5 million electric vehicles anticipated to be on the state's roadways. (Artinun/Adobe Stock)

Building CA's Workforce to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

By Jessica Goodheart for Capital and Main.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Capital and Main-Public Ne…

According to Edmunds.com, the average price for a new EV was $60,054 in February, which was $1,820 more than their average manufacturers suggested retail price of $58,234. (Buffaloboy/Adobe Stock)

Report: Electric Vehicles Jump in Popularity; Prices Leap, Too

Electric vehicles now make up almost 18% of the car-buying market in California. That's up 42% from 2021, according to the latest data from the …

UCLA scientists tracking SoCal mountain lions found that 93% have abnormal sperm rates and others have deformed tails and testicular defects, signs of inbreeding. (Christian/Adobe Stock)

Governor Signs Bill to Integrate Wildlife Corridors into Highway Plans

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Friday to require Caltrans to integrate wildlife corridors into its plans as roads are built around the …

A 2021 study in the journal Science found that fine particulate matter, one of the main pollutants produced by gas-burning vehicles, is responsible for 85,000 to 200,000 excess premature deaths per year in the United States. (Aleksandr Kondratov/Adobestock)

Local Officials Call on Feds to Adopt CA Clean-Car Standards

Local officials concerned about climate change are calling on the Biden Environmental Protection Agency to adopt strict national clean car standards -…

A California newt attempts to cross the road. (Jose Benedicto de Jesus/Center for Biological Diversity)

State Lawmakers to Consider Wildlife Crossings Bill Today

A bill to prioritize wildlife crossings gets a hearing in the state Senate Transportation Committee today. The Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection …

A bobcat uses a culvert to travel underneath a highway. (National Park Service)

Bill to Build More CA Wildlife Crossings Gets Hearing Tomorrow

Between 2016 and 2020, more than 44,000 Californians reported hitting a wild animal with a vehicle. So tomorrow, state lawmakers will consider a …

A wildlife camera at a culvert underneath U.S. Highway 395 collects data on deer migration. (Pathways for Wildlife)

New Camera Study Tracks Wildlife Migration to Reduce Collisions Along I-395

A new study aims to reduce wildlife collisions in one of the biggest hotspots for them - Highway 395 from Reno, Nevada, through Tahoe up to …

The infrastructure plan now before Congress includes funding to increase the number of E-V charging stations, such as this one at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Tonythetigerson/Twenty 20)

Report: Investments in Electric Vehicles Help Power CA's Recovery

LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. economy would see a five-fold return from every tax dollar invested in electric vehicles and the grid, according to a new …

Collisions between cars and mountain lions are a particular concern on highways along the mountain ranges of Southern California. (Mia and Steve Metsdagh/Wikimedia Commons)

Wildlife Crossings Bill to Reduce Collisions Heads to U.S. House

AGOURA, Calif. - California drivers collided with animals more than 2,200 times in 2019, and three people lost their lives in those accidents…

California est� implementando decenas de iniciativas para hacer del estado un lugar m�s

California se convierte en el último estado "amigable con las personas mayores"

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California es ahora oficialmente un estado "amigable con las personas mayores" gracias a una nueva asociación entre el …

Many cycling groups aim to make biking more accessible to communities of color. (SF Bicycle Coalition)

CA Cycling Groups Promote Community During Pandemic

By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

Kern County produces about 70% of California's oil and more than 90% of its natural gas. However, 20% of county residents live at or below the federal poverty line. (Zhengzaishuru/iStockphoto)

Kern County Clean-Air Advocates Plead for State Intervention

KERN COUNTY, Calif. -- Groups fighting for clean air and against climate change are calling for the State of California to step in after the Kern …

Local residents protest a proposed gas station in the Marin County city of Novato. (Karen Preuss)

Movement Grows to Stop New Gas Stations in CA

NOVATO, Calif. -- The city of Novato will vote tonight on whether to allow Costco to build a huge new gas station, despite strong opposition from …

This map shows the part of the Inglewood oil field that lies within Culver City, close to several neighborhoods. (Baker & O'Brien, Inc.)

As CA Considers Fracking Ban, Culver City is One Step Ahead

CULVER CITY, Calif. -- State lawmakers proposed a bill, Senate Bill 467, to ban fracking last week, but one city, Culver City, has already taken a …

A local resident waves as she picks up her bag of produce from the Chinatown Health Initiative at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. (Veronica Monjara/Las Fotos)

Grant Program Seeks CA Community Improvements to Fund

LOS ANGELES -- Starting today, local governments and nonprofits across California have the opportunity to apply for grants from AARP, to fund …

Un residente local saluda mientras recoge su bolsa de productos de Chinatown Health Initiative en el Parque Hist�rico Estatal de Los �ngeles. (Veronica Monjara / Las Fotos)

Programa de subsidio busca mejorías para financiar comunidades de CA

LOS ÁNGELES -- A partir de hoy, los gobiernos locales y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro de todo California tendrán la oportunidad de …

Muchos californianos mayores enfrentan desaf�os para encontrar viviendas accesibles construidas para satisfacer sus necesidades. (Seemann/Morguefile)

Defensores de adultos mayores de California presionan para viviendas accesibles

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California enfrenta una enorme escasez de viviendas accesibles y un grupo que aboga por los residentes mayores está …

Los observadores de la mariposa monarca piensan que algunas mueren porque van dejando sus lugares de hibernadero muy pronto, por el cambio clim�tico, ante su fuente favorita de alimento, el algodoncillo, comience a florecer. (Pollinators/Pixabay)

Grupos Presionan a Federación para Incluir la Mariposa Monarca como Especie Amenazada

PISMO BEACH, Calif. -- El Servicio de Pesca y Vida Salvaje de los EE.UU. tiene hasta el 15 de Diciembre para decidir si califican a la mariposa …

A new report shows that redlining and economic segregation have led to fewer options for outdoor recreation in and near communities of color. (Latino Outdoors)

Report: Families of Color Have Less Access to Nature

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Low-income families of color in California, especially those with children, are twice as likely as their white counterparts to …

A new report from Congress calls for rules that encourage consumers to switch to electric vehicles as one of many ways to curb climate change. (Consumer Reports)

New Climate Plan Envisions Net-Zero Emissions by 2050

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A new congressional plan to solve the climate crisis says the United States should aim to "get to net zero," or eliminate …

Consumer groups are urging people who drive less during the COVID-19 pandemic to ask their insurance company for a rebate. (Lutgradio/Morguefile)

Some Insurers Offer Rebates as People Drive Less During Pandemic

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Two car-insurance giants, Allstate and American Family Insurance, have just announced they'll refund $800 million to the …

California is suing the feds to invalidate the new-car emissions standards. (Olando/Adobe Stock)

Groups Slam Trump Administration’s Rollback of Auto Emission Standards

LOS ANGELES -- Groups that promote public health and clean air and that advocate for consumers all are vowing to fight the Trump administration's new …

Los desafíos del Reto Comunitario promueven ciudades habitables

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - El cuarto programa anual de subsidios "AARP Community Challenge" (Reto Comunitario de AARP) esta recibiendo solicitudes de …

Ford has signed an agreement with the state of California to voluntarily lower emissions and produce more electric vehicles, such as the Mach-E. (Consumer Reports)

'Clean Cars' at LA Auto Show, Even as Some Fight Emissions Standards

LOS ANGELES – Clean cars are a hot topic at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, even though consumer watchdogs claim some car makers are …

The State of California is working toward a more livable, walkable, age-friendly future. (AARP California)

California Moves Toward More Age-Friendly Future

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – By 2030, California’s over-65 population will grow by four million – and a bill just signed by Gov. Gavin …

El Estado de California se trabaja para llegar a un futuro m�s vivible, caminaba y amigable. (AARP California)

California Avanza a un Futuro más Amigable con la Edad

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Grupos que abogan por los adultos mayores celebran la legislación recién firmada por el Gobernador Gavin …

Tens of thousands of workers in California could be affected by AB 5, including app-based service drivers, nail salon workers, couriers, construction workers and janitors. (David P. Whelan/Morguefile)

Labor Groups Plot Next Move as Gig Worker Bill Passes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Uber and Lyft drivers and their allies in the labor movement are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill – AB 5 ̵…

La Corporaci�n de Desarrollo �City Heights� de San Diego gan� los subsidios del Reto Comunitario de la AARP (�AARP Community Challenge�) en 2018 y 2019. Este parque de El Caj�n debut� el oto�o pasado. (CHDC)

Subvenciones del Desafío Comunitario mejoran la habitabilidad en toda CA

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Cuatro comunidades de California verán algunas mejoras grandes en los próximos meses - gracias al programa …

As municipal fleets across the state transition to zero-emission vehicles, pollution from thousands of cars, trucks and buses will be eliminated. (TonytheTigersSon/Twenty20)

LA Mayor Pushes Nationwide Conversion of Cities’ Fleets to Electric Vehicles

SAN FRANCISCO — Six California cities plus Los Angeles County are moving forward with a nationwide plan to transition their fleets to zero-emiss…

The City of Berkeley scored very high on the Livability Index due to its parks, transportation, <br />and access to education. (Introvert/Wikimedia Commons)

Two California Communities Rank in Top Ten for Livability

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Two California communities scored very high on the new 2018 AARP Livability Index. San Francisco lost points for high …

La Ciudad de Berkeley obtuvo una calificaci�n muy alta en el �ndice de Habitabilidad, debido a sus parques, transportaci�n y acceso a la educaci�n. (Introvert/Wikimedia Commons)

Dos comunidades de California, entre las diez mejor habitables

Sacramento, CA – Ya están los puntajes del Índice 2018 de Habitabilidad de la AARP (“2018 AARP Livability Index”)…

Artists created designs on the spot during the charrette to reimagine parts of San Jose. (Ellen Dunham-Jones & AARP)

California Explores New Way to Redevelop Cities, Improve Livability

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Many California communities are confronting the housing crisis by encouraging higher-density housing near public …

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CA: Urban Planning and Transportation