Placer County Local News: Sustainability


All Local Sustainability News articles contributed by our local media allies and other local newsrooms.

Image caption: California has a goal of 6 million heat pumps cooling and heating buildings by 2030.
6 Million New Heat Pumps: Essential to California's Climate Future

Heat pumps, an energy-efficient way to both heat and cool homes, are a necessary element of California's climate goal of net zero carbon emissions. Here's what they are, how they work, and how to get one.

Image caption: Long-duration energy storage, such as this thermal energy storage facility, allows renewable energy sources to operate at full capacity without overloading the power grid.
How California Leads the Race For Long Duration Energy Storage

Long-duration energy storage is essential if renewables are to become the basis for a future, carbon-neutral power grid. Here's how California is leading the race to store energy from solar, wind, and other clean sources for use whenever it's needed.

Image caption: How California reclamation districts turned millions of acres of wetlands into fertile agricultural land, starting in the earliest days of the Gold Rush.
Reclamation Districts: Turning ‘Swamps’ Into Farmland

California has used reclamation districts to turn millions of acres of unusable swamps into fertile agricultural land, starting in the earliest days of the Gold Rush. Here’s how it happened.

Image caption: Dairy products are California’s top agricultural commodity, but the industry is often criticized for its impact on the environment.
Sustainable Sustenance

California is a leading producer of agricultural crops. So it’s not surprising to find cutting-edge ideas taking root here.

Image caption: Moss Landing in Monterey Bay is the world’s largest battery storage facility for solar and other renewable energy.
Solar Power and California’s Clean Energy Goals

Solar power, and a network of giant battery storage facilities, are playing an essential role in moving California toward its goal of exclusive reliance on renewable energy sources.

Image caption: RCDs look after the land, whether it’s used for grazing, growing, or getting out into nature.
California Dirt

What do resource conservation districts protect? Pretty much everything that’s worth saving.

Image caption: Water is a human right under California law, but it doesn’t always work out that way.
Agriculture and Water Shortages in the State’s Breadbasket, Explained

Residential wells are drying up in the state’s main agricultural region at the same time that agricultural businesses consume almost 90 percent of the water there.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

01/14/2025
In a striking setback to reduce California’s air pollution but a win for trucking companies, state regulators have walked away from their ambitious plan to phase out diesel trucks less than a week before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/18/2024
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decree that by 2035 all new cars sold in California must be powered by batteries or other zero-emission systems has received a double dose of legal and political support.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

12/11/2024
The Biden administration is awarding Inflation Reduction Act money to help clean the air before President-elect Trump takes over.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

11/13/2024
Trump’s promise to “end” the offshore wind industry could threaten CA’s renewable energy goals, potentially cutting off federal funding.

The Roseville Press Tribune logo From The Roseville Press Tribune...

10/31/2024
Image for display with article titled Rocklin Pipeline Replacement Project Kicks Off

The Placer County Water Agency project to replace the main water pipeline to Rocklin has begun on Midas Avenue.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

10/31/2024
Sixty years ago, I was a reporter for the Klamath Falls (Oregon) Herald and News and with my family lived in a small house on the Link River, which flows out of Upper Klamath Lake, draining a large portion of the Cascade mountain range.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

10/30/2024
Low counts of spawning salmon could mean another year without fishing. Experts say the outlook still has time to turn around.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

10/24/2024
Growers support a federal and state proposal for operating California’s massive systems that send river water south. But it could harm more salmon and other endangered fish.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

10/23/2024
Most of us operate on the calendar year — the 12 months that begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

10/21/2024
Capturing and storing carbon underground is a big part of California’s efforts to tackle climate change but community members and environmentalists say it prolongs the life of fossil fuels.

California Local Pin Marker From Roseville Today...

10/09/2024
Applications are open for Placer Fish and Game Commission grants for projects contributing to the safeguarding, conservation, propagation and preservation of local fish and wildlife.

California Local Pin Marker From The Sacramento Bee...

10/08/2024
How to apply rebate as part of the recent $80 million state program to electrify homes.

Auburn Journal logo From Auburn Journal...

09/20/2024
Image for display with article titled Placer County Asks for Insurance State of Emergency Declaration

In their September 10 meeting, the Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution requesting Governor Newsom declare a State of Emergency over the insurance crisis.

Sierra Sun logo From Sierra Sun...

09/18/2024
Image for display with article titled Nonprofit Metamorphoses Into Indigenous-Led Organization for Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Fund, a respected regional organization, proudly announces their board of directors has elected six new Indigenous Board Members from around the region (making the board 75% Indigenous members) and hired a visionary Indigenous leader as their new Chief Executive Officer – transforming the nonprofit into an Indigenous-led new force for the Sierra Nevada.

California Local Pin Marker From Los Angeles Times...

09/08/2024
The California state goal to conserve 30% of its land and coastal waters has advanced, with conserved lands reaching 25% and coastal waters 16%.

Auburn Journal logo From Auburn Journal...

08/09/2024
Image for display with article titled Placer Conservation Program Receives $5.39 Million in State and Federal Grants, Acquires 430 Acres for Conservation

After receiving more than $6.5 million in grant funds to acquire the southern 560 acres of the Riosa Redwing Ranch in 2022, the Placer County Conservation Program was additionally awarded more than $5.39 million to purchase the remaining 430 acres.

Sierra Sun logo From Sierra Sun...

08/07/2024
Image for display with article titled North Tahoe Community Alliance Now Seeking Project Applications for Annual Grant Cycle Funding

Last week, the North Tahoe Community Alliance launched the second Annual Grant Cycle and began accepting applications for the financial support of projects and programs that achieve community vitality, economic health, and environmental sustainability.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

08/01/2024
Legislators and Gov. Newsom are working behind the scenes to draft energy legislation before the end-of-the-month deadline.

California Local Pin Marker From CalMatters...

07/15/2024
Public chargers must be built at an unprecedented pace to meet the target in less than 7 years, and then doubled to 2 million in 2035. The high cost — $120,000 or more for one fast charger— is just one obstacle.

Sierra Sun logo From Sierra Sun...

07/10/2024
Image for display with article titled Visit Truckee-Tahoe Launches Sustainable Truckee Visitors Guide, Promotes Responsible Tourism

Visit Truckee-Tahoe unveiled its latest initiative, the Sustainable Truckee Visitors Guide. This digital and printed guidebook is designed to educate visitors on how to enjoy Truckee responsibly.