Tag Archive for: California Gov. Gavin Newsom

To Avoid Blackouts, California May Tap Fossil Fuel Plants

/in , , /by /AP Newsby Kathleen Ronayne

Looking to avoid power blackouts, California may turn to the one energy source it’s otherwise desperate to get rid of: fossil fuels.

A sweeping energy proposal Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Thursday puts the state in the business of buying power to ensure there’s enough to go around during heat waves that strain the grid. But some critics say the method of getting there is at odds with the state’s broader climate goals, because it paves the way for the state to tap aging gas-fired power plants and add backup generators fueled by diesel.

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California Lawmakers Pass Major Plastic-Reduction Measure After Years of Thwarted Attempts

/in , /by /San Francisco Chronicleby Dustin Gardiner

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a sweeping plastic-reduction measure that aims to dramatically shrink the amount of disposable packaging and food ware that Californians use in their daily lives.

The bill, SB54, is the result of a breakthrough legislative deal between some environmentalists, business groups and waste haulers, a last-minute compromise that led proponents to withdraw an anti-plastic waste initiative from the November ballot.

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Newsom Has a Plan to Keep the Lights on in California — Using Fossil Fuels

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Sammy Roth

A controversial plan from Gov. Gavin Newsom would reshape how business is done on the California power grid, potentially helping to extend the life of beachfront gas plants and the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant, making it easier for solar and wind farm developers to sidestep local government opposition, and limiting environmental reviews for all kinds of energy projects.

State lawmakers could vote as early as Wednesday night on the polarizing legislation, whose text was revealed late Sunday.

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Gavin Newsom’s Drought Strategy Is a Major Departure From Jerry Brown’s Mandatory Water Cuts. It’s Not Working

/in , /by /San Francisco Chronicleby Dustin Gardiner

If Gov. Jerry Brown’s drought strategy was defined by the “we’re-all-in-this-together” mantra of collective sacrifice, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approach has been guided by the more individualistic notion of “it’s not one size fits all.”

Newsom, despite the state facing a third year of exceptional drought conditions, has refused to follow in Brown’s footsteps by mandating that all residents cut their water use.

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California Seeks to Rein in Water Usage by Closing a Nearly 2-Month Gap in Getting Data From Suppliers

/in , /by /CBS Sacramento

In response to prolonged drought across the West and ahead of the scorching summer months, California is asking its urban water suppliers to voluntarily report water consumption data sooner — so the state can better assess whether its water conservation goals are being met.

Years of low rainfall and snowpack coupled with more intense heat waves have fueled the state’s historic, multiyear drought conditions, rapidly draining its reservoirs.

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As Drought Lingers, CA Considers $1.5 Billion to Buy Farm Water Rights

/in , /by /Los Angeles Magazineby Laurenz Busch

A proposal to use up to $1.5 billion to purchase farmer’s senior water rights has made its way into the budget negotiations between lawmakers and Governor Gavin Newsom, the Associated Press reports.

It comes at a time when 98 percent of the state is experiencing a severe drought and is part of the larger $7.5 billion Water and Drought Package “to build a climate resilient water system.”

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What Is the Right Length of Time for the California Drought Shower?

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Laura J. Nelson

On mornings that are chilly by Los Angeles standards, Camilo Loza sometimes takes a hot shower before heading to the gym.

After a workout on the Stairmaster, Loza bikes home to Windsor Hills and showers again. And a few nights a week, Loza takes a third shower after getting home from work.

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New Water Restrictions in Effect for Millions Across Southern California

/in , , /by /NBC 7 San Diegoby Dana Griffin

This summer, some will be taking shorter showers and lawns will turn yellow as Southern Californians try to conserve water during the drought.

While it mostly affects the Los Angeles area, all Californians are being asked to save water.

Last month — when the state water board approved rules that went into effect on Wednesday — Governor Gavin Newsom said in part, “These conservation measures are increasingly important as we enter the summer months. I’m asking all Californians to step up because every single drop counts.”

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California Drought Resurrects Decades-Old Plan for Controversial Sites Reservoir

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Louis Sahagun

A long-dead proposal to flood a bucolic valley north of Sacramento and create a massive reservoir for thirsty Southern California is finding new life — and opposition — amid the effects of climate change and worsening drought.

First conceived in the 1950s, the Sites Reservoir project was abandoned in the 1980s — the twilight years of America’s big Western dam-building projects.

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Opinion: Will Gov. Newsom Ever Require Mandatory Water Cuts?

/in , /by /The Mercury News

The problem with empty threats is, after a while, people just stop listening.

When it comes to water usage, Gov. Gavin Newsom is learning that lesson the hard way.

Newsom on Monday urged Californians to cut water consumption or face mandatory water restrictions as the state heads into its third summer of severe drought.

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