"In the Owens Valley, Los Angeles not only siphons water from streams, but also pumps groundwater from wells. Leaders of Native tribes are calling for the city to take less water and are pushing for negotiations on water rights. They say pumping from wells has dried up springs and meadows."
"The state enhanced battery safety rules in response to the Moss Landing fire. The industry is on board, hoping better standards will reassure the public."
"California ramped up its efforts to curb plastic pollution Friday — suing three plastic-bag makers, alleging the companies falsely claimed their products were recyclable."
For years, state-sponsored programs have helped California farmworkers get much-needed access to clean water. But many immigrants now shun these services, afraid of exposure to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. As Circle of Blue intern Anahita Banerjee dug into this story, she discovered that their fear extended to speaking with journalists — and that ICE activities threatened her own safety.
Members of the Society of Environmental Journalists were saddened to learn of the passing on Oct. 7, 2025, of veteran journalist and podcaster Parimal Rohit, a long-time member and volunteer. Parimal joined SEJ in 2017 and served on the Awards Committee, the Editorial Advisory Board, and as co-editor of SEJournal's Inside Story column.
"In California, as wolf numbers grow — a remarkable return after a century — livestock producers are increasingly worried as these predators occasionally take down cattle."
"More than 1,100 incarcerated firefighters were sent to Southern California in January to fight four different wildfires. As the Palisades Fire ran up a hillside, one strike team saved the life of a resident who was still at his home."
"California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed a bill that would have banned the use of “forever chemicals” in cookware and other products in California."
"Southern California air regulators issued violations to two foundries in southeast Los Angeles County after air sampling revealed elevated levels of a highly toxic metal near the facilities."
"An El Segundo refinery fire has renewed questions about who is investigating the state’s oil industry after serious accidents. With the U.S. Chemical Safety Board defunded, California has yet to fill the gap."
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