Environment

A change in California law has set new rules for when young athletes can play and practice in high temperatures, affecting schools and teams across the state.

A judge slaps the state with an injunction, saying the water board overstepped its authority in Kings County: “There has been no review, analysis, or ability to challenge their conduct.”

In addition to wildfires, the residents and property owners in the Inland Empire face another crisis, the departure of companies willing to insure homes against catastrophes.

Drinking water contamination is a chronic, insidious threat in California’s rural communities. Some have been waiting for clean water for years.

Inland communities with big population booms will experience the most extreme heat days under climate change projections. The combination puts more people at risk — and many cities are unprepared.

California oil companies will have until July, 2030 to monitor wells near homes and schools for leaks into air and water. The decision came after last-minute negotiations.

Ranchers who defied a state water order were only fined about $50 each. Under new legislation headed to the governor, some daily fines for water scofflaws can increase 20-fold.

The author pulled the Assembly utility bill from consideration a day before the Legislature’s deadline.

Consumers would get a small credit on electric bills if the legislation passes. Solar companies say the energy measures might not be effective in streamlining projects.

Early warning systems save lives during disasters, but a recent FEMA survey found that only a third of people are signed up. Use this resource to find your county’s emergency alert sign-up page.