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It could hit 120 degrees in Phoenix during the Southwest’s heatwave. Can the power grid keep up?

Jun 19, 2017
It’s likely that the heat wave California, Arizona and Nevada has been experiencing is going to hit its peak this week. Temperatures could reach as high as 120 degrees in Phoenix. Across the region, the air conditioning will be roaring. But will the power grid be able to keep up?  Click the audio player above […]

California’s federal waiver for higher fuel efficiency rules is 'not under review' by EPA

Jun 16, 2017
There are two forces pushing cars and fuel efficiency in opposition directions: the federal government and California. California for decades has had special permission to set environmental rules that are stricter than the federal rules. The Trump administration had suggested it might try to revoke the waiver that grants that permission. But in a bit […]

When Mt. Everest's base camp is enough

Jun 16, 2017
Climbing Mt. Everest may seem like something you’d never do — and you probably won’t. But what about getting to Everest base camp? That seems more accessible, and just as exciting and Instagram-worthy. All you have to do is hike along narrow paths and up steep inclines, withstand freezing temperatures and acclimate to high altitudes […]

Counting up American coal jobs: What's the real total?

Jun 15, 2017
Here are the numbers behind the much-discussed coal industry in the U.S.
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt speaks with coal miners at the Harvey Mine in Sycamore, Pennsylvania, in April.
Justin Merriman/Getty Images

A deadly home explosion renews debate on drilling near homes

Jun 15, 2017
High housing costs in Denver are driving home development in outlying areas close to oil and gas infrastructure.

Goldman Sachs invests in wind power and will help other big brands meet their green goals

Jun 13, 2017
Just after President Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris agreement, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein tweeted his displeasure. Now, the blue-blood bank is going green in another way with a big move into wind and solar energy. Not just buying it, but pairing other buyers and sellers in the emerging market of […]

How to find the houseplant to suit your lifestyle

Jun 9, 2017
You can do better than a fiddle fig tree.
The Sill founder and CEO Eliza Blank pots houseplants. 
Courtesy The Sill

For public good, not for profit.

As the climate changes, city trees will need replacing with more resilient species

Jun 7, 2017
The trees that give shade to Southern Californians living under the hot sun are under threat due to beetle infestation, drought and increasingly, the effects of climate change. As hotter, dryer weather becomes the norm, cities across the country are investing in programs to monitor their urban forests and plant trees that can survive well […]

Natural gas exports from U.S. to Mexico skyrocket

Jun 7, 2017
The amount of natural gas flowing to Mexico quadrupled in recent years.
A Sempra natural gas pipeline crosses the U.S.-Mexico border near the Otay Mesa community in San Diego, California. Homes in the background are in Mexico.
Megan Wood/inewsource

California needs electric cars and it wants China's help to get them

Jun 6, 2017
As President Trump announced the U.S. was pulling out of the Paris climate change agreement, California Gov. Jerry Brown headed to China. Among his goals? To encourage China’s progress on electric vehicles, because California will need a lot more of those to meet its climate change goals. Click the audio player above to hear the […]