Image by California Conservation CorpsOPINION – Since its inception, the CCC has been the hidden gem in California’s natural resource work, providing an astounding 81 million hours of tree planting, fish habitat improvement, back country trail construction and maintenance, rural and urban park improvements and energy conservation – on top of critical emergency response on nearly every California natural disaster.
Blackberries in plastic containers on display. Image by krblokhin. OPINION – Without substantial changes, the draft regulations for California’s historic SB 54 recycling law will disrupt recycling systems, jeopardize supply chains, increase grocery costs for every Californian, and likely force a shift toward less sustainable packaging.
Regulations book. Image by Bet_NoireOPINION – I’m really worried about how new proposed digital-technology regulations by the powerful but little-known California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) proposed digital-technology regulations will impact small businesses like mine.
Image by PeopleImagesOPINION – Less than two years ago, I achieved a lifelong dream: I became a small business owner. It was supposed to be the start of a better future for my family. Instead, it’s been a fight for survival.
Image by OcusFocusOPINION – California lawmakers have an opportunity to help small businesses suffering in the wake of the devastating fire in Los Angeles to rebuild stronger and more prepared for whatever the future might hold, with straightforward investments and protections.
Image by artzenterOPINION – The Monterey Peninsula’s water system is extensive — made up of 680 miles of pipeline and 100 water storage tanks — and provides reliable service to 100,000 residents and businesses throughout the region. Unfortunately, a planning agency that has never managed or operated a water system is distracting Cal-Am from the important business of planning for the future by attempting a hostile takeover of the water system.
Gas burning with blue flames on the burner of a gas stove. Image by HJBCOPINION – After this past election, it is refreshing to hear California’s political leaders identifying that affordability is a message they received loud and clear from the voters. A great first step toward affordability is to stop adding more expenses to daily living.
Landfill with burning trash piles. Image by Collab MediaOPINION – California has long been a leader in the fight against climate change, but in the crucial battle to reduce methane emissions from landfills, we are falling behind. It’s time for the California Air Resources Board to address this problem before it’s too late.
Image by Scharfsinn86OPINION – California recently withdrew its EPA waiver request for its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation in anticipation of the Trump administration’s opposition. However, CARB need not abandon ACF; the regulation could be reformed as a “feebate” incentive, which would circumvent federal preemption and could also have other advantages over an inflexible standard.
Image by Toa55OPINION – California’s refusal to fairly compensate prison labor is an affront to our most basic principles of human dignity – one that now has direct consequences on hundreds of incarcerated firefighters.