After several weeks of record-breaking heat, fires, and smoke, Governor Newsom today reiterated that we are in a climate emergency and announced Executive Order N-79-20 requiring 100% of all new in-state sales of cars and light trucks to be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035. This makes California the first state in the nation to ban new … Read more
By Venise Curry, MD, and Ellie Cohen, Special to CalMatters September 14, 2020 https://calmatters.org/commentary/my-turn/2020/09/lawmakers-let-oil-and-gas-interests-sicken-us-gov-newsom-can-put-us-on-the-path-to-recovery/ Make no mistake about it. Climate change is powering California’s perfect storm of record heat, lightning, drought, wildfire and smoke amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and electricity blackouts. In his video message to the Democratic National Convention in August, Governor Gavin Newsom … Read more
by Daisy Nguyen, Associated Press Highlights California issued 2,691 permits to drill new wells or rework existing ones the first half of this year and the issued 48 new permits for hydraulic fracturing Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker have partnered on a “Newsom Well Watch” website and say that California has issued 190% more oil and … Read more
by Karen L. Jones, California Health Report Highlights According to the California Department of Public Health, the death rate due to chronic lower respiratory disease is 12 times higher in the San Joaquin Valley compared to the rest of the state and 14 times higher than the national rate The intense pollution in the region … Read more
by Phil Willon, The Los Angeles Times Highlights Assembley Bill 345, legislation that would have mandated setbacks of oil drilling sites from homes, schools, and other community dwellings, was voted down 5-4 The bill would have also required the Department of Conservation to create an environmental justice progam where residents near drilling sites could voice their … Read more
by Michael Kodas, Inside Climate News Highlights Climate change is increasing the severity and size of wildfires across the globe Fires in Colorado burned over 200,000 acres, while fires in California burned an area the size of Rhode Island These Western US fires were predicted by Federal wildfire forecasters due to the trend of low … Read more
by Eric Holthaus, One Zero Highlights A study from UC Berkeley illustrates that climate catastrophes will onset violence such as domestic abuse and even civil wars, setting up the potential collapse of many countries Conflict avoidance is ingrained into the world’s climate response, by refocusing on creating an ecological society, our care of the planet … Read more
by Alexandria Herr, Grist Highlights Public Accountability Initiative and LittleSis released a new report detailing how oil companies fund police foundations across the country These foundations are non-profits that raise money to buy weapons, equipment, and surveillance technology for police departments Some fossil fuel companies have also supported legislation that would criminalize protesting pipelines Big … Read more
by Steve Horn, The Real News Highlights California Governor Gavin Newsom approved two rounds drilling permits for Chevron this summer, furthering criticism from environmental groups Since lifting the moratorium on fracking, Governor Newsom has approved 36 new fracking permits in Lost Hills to Aera Energy, a company he has close ties with Chevron was given … Read more
by Maxine Joselow, Scientific American Highlights Public transportation advocates say that transit can play a crucial role in the pandemic era by reducing air pollution that makes people more susceptible to COVID-19. Subways account for 76% less carbon emissions than the average vehicle carrying a single person More single-occupant vehicles on the road will have long … Read more
