News Archive

California’s bold Green New Deal could be severely scaled down or sidelined until next year due to the pandemic. But some lawmakers and advocates say there’s an important COVID-19 connection to the legislation.

Environment

California Electric Trucks Standard is First of its Kind; Pandemic Leads Trucking Industry to Question its Viability

April 30, 2020 | Ezra David Romero

A new proposal could mean 300,000 zero-emission trucks on California’s roads by 2035. It’s being applauded by environmentalists, but some in the trucking industry want state leaders to relax climate standards due to the pandemic.

Environment

West Davis Bear Sighting Unusual Even As Some Wildlife More Active During California Stay-At-Home Order

April 29, 2020 | Ezra David Romero

A small brown bear was reportedly roaming around a neighborhood pond in West Davis as of 7 a.m., reports the Davis Police Department. While wildlife is returning to places like Yosemite, some urban areas haven't seen similar increases.

Photo courtesy of David Rosen/Corky Quirk

Environment

Can California Bats Carry COVID-19? It's Unclear, But Experts Say They're More Likely To Catch It From Humans Than Spread It

April 27, 2020 | Ezra David Romero

Popular culture has somewhat demonized bats. Now bats have a link to the pandemic, but scientists say humans don’t need to fear bats, they should fear people.

Environment

Bored At Home? Join A Global Science Experiment This Weekend. All You Need Is Your Phone.

April 23, 2020 | Ezra David Romero

A number of California regions are unofficially competing this weekend to gather the most data about the wildlife in their cities. You can join them while taking a walk in your neighborhood or even from inside your home.

Environment

Pandemic Is No Reason To Back Down From The Climate Crisis, West Sacramento And Sacramento Mayors Agree

April 22, 2020 | Ezra David Romero

The mayors released a draft plan on Wednesday that sets the goal of becoming carbon zero by 2045. Achieving this would mean that no human caused carbon emissions are being produced. But some climate groups say that goal isn’t fast enough.

Environment

The ‘Unprecedented Natural Experiment:’ Stay-At-Home Order Reduces Air Pollution, Offers Clues in Climate Change Fight

April 14, 2020 | Ezra David Romero

The stay-at-home order isn’t just flattening the curve in California, it’s also improving air quality. With fewer cars on the roads, experts say this is an opportunity to evaluate what it will take to decrease emissions in the long run.

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Environment

California Issues First Fracking Permits In Nine Months. But COVID-19 Makes It Even More Complicated.

April 9, 2020 | Ezra David Romero

For 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.

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Environment

Should California Throw Out Environmental Rules To Help Businesses During Quarantine? ‘That’s Not Happening,’ Governor’s Office Says.

April 4, 2020 | Ezra David Romero

A 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.

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