Climate & Environment

A former reality star is influencing LA's post-fires rebuilding

Spencer Pratt is best known from his time on MTV reality show "The Hills." But he's now using his social media presence to weigh in on rebuilding efforts after the L.A. fires.

A white man wearing a colorful shirt and dark blazer stands at a clear lectern and gestures while speaking.

Billions spent, miles to go: The story of California’s failure to build high-speed rail

California’s dream of building a high-speed rail system linking San Francisco and L.A. is a cautionary tale of ambition outpacing funding, planning, and federal support.

A bridge under construction crossing a highway where one side is dry land and the other side is full with greenery.

Lawmakers send Newsom a high-stakes energy overhaul tied to wildfires, utilities and oil

California lawmakers passed a six-bill climate and energy package extending cap and trade to 2045, expanding the state’s wildfire fund, approving new oil drilling, and opening the door to a regional power market.

Transmission towers are lined up from the lower left to the center and connect out of frame. The sun sets with mountains in the background.

Can a pink dye help control bird poop at the pier? Santa Monica gives it a try

On Monday, researchers will drop the dye into the water to learn how ocean currents affect pollution. It's the latest step, along with a new task force, to cut bacterial pollution at the popular recreation area.

A bird walks on sand at a beach. The bird is heading to a pier with a ferris wheel.

In last-minute scramble, California lawmakers fail to deliver promised environmental reform

Senate leaders failed to fix an environmental law rollback for advanced manufacturing, leaving pollution concerns untouched as session ends.

A man wearing an orange sweatshirt, a yellow construction vest, and a hard hat works on a construction site, digging in the dirt.

Lead levels in soil exceeded state standards in Eaton Fire burn zone, LA County reports

The report didn't find high lead levels in the Palisades Fire area. And the county added that “there is no evidence of widespread contamination from fire-related chemicals.”

A new U.S. flag hangs on a gate at a property destroyed by fire.

Newsom strikes climate deal extending California cap and trade, boosting oil production

Democratic state leaders have proposed a host of energy bills that seek to balance affordability with the state’s ambitious climate goals.

A refinery with multiple exhaust pipes and smoke coming out of one. There is a building in the foreground.

Low birth weight rates rose nearly 50% around Aliso Canyon gas leak, UCLA study finds

A UCLA study in the journal Science Advances also found a likely increase in miscarriages around the methane leak in the northern San Fernando Valley in 2015.

Cool weather to turn into slow warming this weekend

Cool today, slightly warmer over next few days.

An aerial photo of the city of Los Angeles and beyond. In the foreground is the dark green capped Griffith Observatory, in the distance is the downtown L.A. skyline.

Rooftop solar installations are falling in LA. Why?

After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.

SoCal to stay relatively cool

Another cool day is on tap for the region.

A view from a high position into a valley with a long freeway running through populated areas.

First came the wildfire. Then came the scams

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, so too have post-disaster contractor scams like excessive billing and shoddy repairs.

A red and white sign on a sidewalk reads "Unlicensed contractors BEWARE. It is a FELONY to contract without a valid California contractors license in a disaster area."

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