Image by mnbbOPINION – Both the nation and state of California have committed to generational investments in transportation, energy, broadband and other types of public infrastructure. Reams of academic evidence tells us that when this happens, it is a boon both to the economy and to public budgets. But when it is done wrong, workers, taxpayers and businesses can all lose.
Image by StokketeOPINION – California’s ambitious program to reduce the amount of methane gas produced by organic waste is a powerful example of how individuals, local governments, and business can work together to protect the planet for our children and grandchildren, all while creating jobs and investment in our communities.
Hydrogen storage, image by Audio und werbungOPINION – California’s effort to accelerate the development and deployment of clean, renewable hydrogen projects and infrastructure reflects our unique approach to establishing innovative projects in major transportation and goods movement zones across the state, thereby helping to green the transportation corridors throughout the region.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and California Forward CEO Micah Weinberg joined us to discuss the report that influenced Gov. Newsom’s ambitious CEQA proposals and discuss why CEQA reform is – in their view – sorely needed.
ROADMAP 2035, Panel 1 – The Technology: How We Get There. Panelists: Jacquelyn Birdsall, Toyota; Steve Douglas, Alliance for Automotive Innovation; Quentin Gee, California Energy Commission; Orville Thomas, CALSTART. Moderated by Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters. Photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol Weekly.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly’s conference examining California’s climate goals: ROADMAP 2035: Cars, Carbon and Climate Change – How Do We Meet California’s Zero Emissions Goals? This is Panel 1 – The Technology: How We Get There.
West Mission Bay Drive Bridge, San Diego. Photo by Unwind via ShutterstockInfrastructure investments offer a chance to build an economy that is more equitable and resilient, and that offers more Californians a pathway to the middle class.
An elderly woman uses a walker to help her navigate a California street. (Photo: frantic00, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Look around. California’s population is aging and growing more diverse. Aging independently in one’s own home with economic security has become particularly challenging for too many older adults who for years have endured discrimination, inequities and health disparities. These challenges have only intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid surging costs of living.
The Thermalito Power Canal in Oroville, Butte County. (Photo: Sundry Photography, via Shutterstock)OPINION: California is flush with cash and staring down a thirsty future. According to the EPA Needs Survey and Assessment, our state needs $50 billion in infrastructure improvements to ensure safe drinking water for everyone. Our unprecedented state budget surplus and drought-induced water use restrictions make it clear: Now is our chance to modernize our water systems, and we must act with urgency.
A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fills up with H2 at one of the scarce fueling stations. (Photo: ezps, via Shutterstock)Driving a fuel-cell car means hunting for stations, dealing with shortages and managing an unfamiliar nozzle that sometimes freezes to the car — but Sen. Josh Newman loves it.
“I’m the self-appointed chair of the ‘Hydrogen Car Caucus,’” said the senator from Orange County, whose personal car is a 2021 Toyota Mirai. Sen. Dave Min, D-Irvine and Asssemblymember Bill Quirk, D-Hayward also drive, and advocate for, hydrogen vehicles.
Construction on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which was rebuilt following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. (Photo: Karin Hildebrand Lau, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Thoughtful planning and robust public participation are essential to successful infrastructure development. Our state is lucky to have the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to help us get it right. CEQA may be our most misunderstood statute.