Environment

CA may use Prop. 1 water bond to buy enviro water during drought

In the midst of a grueling four-year drought in agriculture, state officials say some $287.5 million in borrowed cash is available to purchase water for smelt and salmon runs and other wildlife. The funds come from California’s $7.5 billion Proposition

Brown orders new emissions cuts

James Poulos April 29, 2015

At a high-powered leadership gathering in Los Angeles, Gov. Jerry Brown detailed plans, laid out in a new executive order, aimed at slashing California’s carbon emissions to new lows. The 18th annual Milken Institute Global Conference gave Brown an intellectual

VIDEO: Republicans can be environmentalists, too

CalWatchdog Staff April 29, 2015

In a conversation with CalWatchdog.com Editor Brian Calle, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer discusses the importance of preserving the environment and why it should not be a partisan issue. During the interview, Mayor Faulconer highlights the environment as our quality

CA will struggle to meet key energy goal of governor

Chris Reed April 25, 2015

A Hoover Institution scholar continues to provide a fresh take on the state of California’s energy policies, highlighting their hidden agendas and examining their feasibility. Previously, a CalWatchdog.com story covered Carson Bruno’s research showing that the state of California has far

Bill simplifies tiered utility rates

Wayne Lusvardi April 23, 2015

Now that the $42 billion bill for the 2001 California Energy Crisis has been paid off, California’s current four price tiers for electricity will be flattened to two tiers over the next four years. Environmentalists who advocated for cleaning up

Credibility crisis comes as PUC faces tough decisions

Chris Reed April 23, 2015

The recent series of scandals involving the California Public Utiities Commission hang like a pall over the regulatory agency. Recently deposed PUC President Michael Peevey’s swapping of favors with Pacific Gas & Electric and his surreptitious work with Southern California

VIDEO: San Diego mayor discusses drought alleviation

CALWATCHDOG STAFF April 23, 2015

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer sits down with CalWatchdog.com Editor Brian Calle to discuss how San Diego is addressing the severe water shortage in the state. Focusing on recycled water, desalination and conservation, Mayor Faulconer outlines a plan he says

Environmental Views: Gray Davis vs. Pete Wilson

Joel Fox April 17, 2015

Town Hall Los Angeles hosted a discussion between former California governors Pete Wilson and Gray Davis yesterday with the two disagreeing over environmental law regulations and touching on other policy issues and state politics. Wilson argued that the reason California

UCLA Study: 35% water reduction order in Palm Springs may backfire

Wayne Lusvardi April 15, 2015

Gov. Jerry Brown’s recently announced Executive Order B-29-15, mandating statewide water use reductions will hit the Palm Springs area of California the hardest with 35 percent cuts in water usage. But a new UCLA study of outdoor watering restrictions in

Senate committee OKs increased energy regulation

Dave Roberts April 14, 2015

A bill that ratchets up energy restrictions in California passed a Senate policy committee last week, despite concerns from business representatives and Republican legislators that it will drive up energy costs, cost jobs and place too much power in the