Environment
Ringside: Quantifying the Variables that Determine Our Prosperity
It is nearly impossible to read a policy document on the topic of energy or water that won’t make frequent references to carbon. In California, the race to achieve a “carbon neutral” economy by 2045 has spawned a carbon accounting...
California High-Speed Rail Needs $7 Billion for Bakersfield to Merced by 2026
The California Legislative Analyst’s Office told lawmakers in an Assembly Transportation budget hearing Wednesday that California High-Speed Rail needs $7 billion in funding by June 2026 or else the first Bakersfield to Merced leg of the system could be delayed...
New Bill Will Permanently Establish the California Wildfire Mitigation Program
A bill that would extend the life of several wildfire mitigation programs inched closer to it’s first committee hearing this week, with little in the way of opposition being found in Sacramento. Assembly Bill 441, authored by freshman Assemblywoman Heather...
Bill to Make Suppliers Responsible For Collection, Recycling Of EV Batteries Proceeds in Senate
A bill that would require EV battery suppliers to fund the collection and recycling system for batteries in electric vehicles gained traction in the Senate this week, with the first committee meeting set for April 2nd. Senate Bill 615, authored...
Ringside: Maximizing Home Protection Against Wildfires
Nobody knew how the fire started. It took hold in the dry chaparral and grasslands and quickly spread up the sides of the canyon. Propelled by winds gusting over 40 miles per hour and extremely dry air, the fire spread...
Senate Enviro Committee Kills Bill to Repeal 65¢ Gas Tax Increase, and Low-Carbon Fuel Regs
A Senate bill that would have repealed the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) gas tax increase of 65 cents a gallon and end the new LCFS Low-Carbon Fuel regulations that were adopted last year, was killed in the Senate Environmental...