Environment

An active pump jack near homes in the city of Signal Hill in Los Angeles County on Oct. 19, 2022. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1137 in September this year, which bans new oil and gas wells within 3,200 feet of homes and schools. The bill is an effort to protect public health. Oil industries have have failed to defeat the buffer-zone bill in the Legislature, filing a petition in October to put a referendum on the 2024 ballot to overturn SB 1137. Photo by Pablo Unzueta

Environment

Controversial measure overturning oil well restrictions won’t be on California ballot

The oil industry's decision will mean that state rules protecting homes and schools near oil and gas wells will go into effect. The companies instead will fight them in court.

By Julie Cart • June 27, 2024

Retired CalFire firefighter Todd Nelson in Nevada City on March 19, 2024. Nelson suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from trauma experienced during his firefighting career. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

Environment

‘Total system breakdown’: California firefighters with PTSD face a workers’ comp nightmare

Even when suicidal, California firefighters struggle to find medical help and navigate the workers’ comp morass to pay for it. A 2021 analysis showed their claims were more likely to involve PTSD — and were denied more often.

By Julie Cart • June 26, 2024

Todd Nelson and Jennifer Alexander conduct a brainspotting exercise that involves Nelsen wearing firefighting equipment at Alexander's office in Gold River on April 24, 2024. Photo by Cristian Gonzalez for CalMatters

Environment

‘Excruciatingly slow’: Delays in workers’ comp payments harm firefighters, frustrate therapists

Therapists wait years to be paid, and some won’t accept complex PTSD cases from firefighters and others because of workers' comp red tape.

By Julie Cart • June 26, 2024

Aracel Fernandez fills a cup with tap water at her home on Nov. 10, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Environment

Drinking water of almost a million Californians failed to meet state requirements

Almost 400 suppliers, two-thirds in communities of color, don’t meet safety and reliability standards. Fixing them would cost billions.

By Rachel Becker • June 25, 2024

Environment

This giant freshwater fish — North America’s largest — gains California protection

Die-offs from algae blooms in San Francisco and Delta water diversions have left a giant, shark-like, prehistoric creature at risk. State wildlife officials approved white sturgeon as a candidate for listing, which triggers protection.

By Rachel Becker • June 19, 2024

San Diego’s Lake Hodges Dam under repair in fall of 2022. The dam is expected to be replaced in the next decade. The dam, built as a multiple arch design, was completed in 1918, and purchased by the City of San Diego in 1925. Photo courtesy of John Gastaldo

Water

These 42 California dams need repairs. But lawmakers cut the funds in half

The dam repairs would store more water and protect the public, but legislators and the governor, facing a huge deficit, cut $50 million.

By Rachel Becker • June 13, 2024

Section of rock covered mostly by sea snails with blue-black and pearlescent shells. Since the middle of the 20th century, development of the California coastline has exploded and these areas are now home to millions of people. Prior to this era, the coastlines were dominated by black abalone. Photo by Michael Ready, National Park Service

Capitol

This seashell could be California’s next state symbol

A bill before the Legislature would select the black abalone as California’s official seashell. The author says it represents the threat of climate change and honors its history with Native American tribes.

By Jenna Peterson • June 12, 2024

Environment

Watch: More of California’s protected Joshua trees could be cut down

Environmentalists warn that a California Democrat’s bill “drives a bulldozer” through the state’s new law that protects imperiled Joshua trees from commercial development.

By CalMatters • June 4, 2024

Solar panels at the Kettleman City Power solar farm on July 25, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

California sides with big utilities, trimming incentives for community solar projects

These community projects can give renters and low-income homeowners a chance to go solar, but the PUC's action is unlikely to give them the option.

By Julie Cart • May 30, 2024

The Los Angeles River after a day of heavy rain in Los Angeles on Feb. 5, 2024.

Water

Watch: California’s runoff flows down the drain. Can more be captured?

Researchers say if California could collect and treat more stormwater in cities, it could provide enough water to supply a quarter of the state’s urban population.

By CalMatters • May 30, 2024