The Solutions Project, founded by Marco Krapels, Mark Jacobson, and Mark Ruffalo, has launched a new website showcasing community-led climate resilience projects across the US, from California to the Northern Mariana Islands. Initiatives like the Solar Generator Loaner Program in the Northern Mariana Islands and the resilience hubs in California are rooted in principles of trust, mutual aid, and Just Recovery, focusing on community-led solutions to climate challenges. In Texas, the Harris County Climate Justice Plan prioritizes prevention over disaster response, investing in mitigation to save the county $6 for every $1 spent. These efforts highlight the importance of community input and collaboration with grassroots organizations to promote 100% renewable energy and create a sustainable, safe, and equitable future for all.
Tag: California
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Xavier Becerra says California can still meet 2035 gas car sales goal
California gubernatorial front-runner Xavier Becerra believes that the state can achieve its goal of banning new gas car sales by 2035 through investment in infrastructure, adding nuance to his previous doubts. The EV sales mandate is a crucial component of California's climate agenda, established by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020. Becerra's evolving stance on the issue during his primary campaign highlights the importance of continued commitment to climate solutions and the role of political leadership in driving progress towards a sustainable future.
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What Are Nature-Based Solutions and Why Are They Needed Now?
The ongoing restoration project of the L.A. River in California is an example of a nature-based solution that provides multiple benefits such as flood protection, habitat, recreation, and urban cooling. Nature-based solutions are cost-effective and more beneficial compared to traditional concrete infrastructure, addressing climate-related challenges in the state. Sustainable water management practices, including cropland repurposing and nature-based solutions like aquifer recharge and floodplain restoration, are emphasized to achieve water sustainability and adapt to climate change. Nature-based solutions also create local employment, address climate justice, and support science-based policies and actions in California, with funding from Proposition 4, the Climate Bond, for climate resilience and land repurposing efforts.
https://blog.ucs.org/angel-fernandez/what-are-nature-based-solutions-and-why-are-they-needed-now/
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What We’re Reading: Building a Massive Wildlife Corridor From Fragmented Lands
Efforts to address habitat loss and fragmentation for wildlife are underway, with projects like the wildlife overpass on the 101 Freeway in California and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative creating corridors for safe wildlife migration. In the Bay Area, gray whales are threatened by ship traffic, but tech solutions such as thermal cameras and AI platforms are being implemented to detect and track whales to prevent collisions. Apps like Whale Safe and Whale Alert are also being utilized in various locations to protect whales from harm. These innovative solutions are crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change on wildlife and promoting coexistence between humans and animals.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/what-were-reading-building-wildlife-corridor-rockies/
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EPA Stopped Updating the Data Behind Electric Vehicle Emissions. The Numbers Still Show EVs are Winners
Electric vehicles (EVs) have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions compared to gasoline cars, with emissions equivalent to a hypothetical 100 mpg gasoline car based on current EV sales. The emissions from driving an EV depend on where the electricity comes from to recharge it, with places like upstate NY and California having very low emissions due to relatively clean grids. Even in regions with significant fossil fuel-powered generation, EVs are still a cleaner choice. Efforts are being made to gather necessary data for climate analysis through open source methods, as the Trump administration's interference has led to a lack of crucial information. The importance of switching from gasoline to electricity to cut emissions is emphasized, along with suggestions for alternatives like public transit, e-bikes, and walking to further reduce pollution.
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California’s carbon-pricing program generated $36.2B for climate initiatives: report
California's Cap-and-Invest program has generated $36.2 billion for climate investments since 2013, with $15.5 billion already deployed across 122 programs, 76% of which target disadvantaged communities. The program aims to reduce emissions and has already driven reductions worth 130.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, while also delivering $44.4 billion in cost savings.
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Energy Storage Startup Nails $550M To Chase Fossil Fuels Away
Antora Energy, a US energy storage startup, has received a $550 million Series C funding round for its long duration energy storage system using "hot blocks" thermal batteries. The Department of Energy's DAYS program supports technologies lasting at least 10 hours, with Antora's solid carbon blocks seen as a promising solution for storing excess wind and solar power. The company's focus on large-scale projects and expanding production, including a project in South Dakota, aims to accelerate the deployment of energy storage projects across the country. With a manufacturing campus in California, Antora Energy is creating new job opportunities and highlighting the importance of state and local officials in supporting renewable energy goals.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/30/energy-storage-factory-made-carbon-blocks-us-startup-antora/
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Community solar can bridge California’s energy affordability gap
Ardi Arian, founder of Renewable America, highlights the potential of community solar and storage projects through Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs to address high utility bills in California. The proposed legislation, AB 1813, aims to make these programs accessible to all Californians, potentially saving billions in energy costs and reducing the need for costly grid upgrades. With support from a broad coalition of stakeholders and expected approval by the full Senate, this legislation is seen as a common sense solution that will provide all Californians with access to clean energy solutions.
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Solar and storage account for 91% of new U.S. grid capacity in Q1
In the first half of 2026, the U.S. solar and energy storage sectors reached significant milestones, with solar and energy storage accounting for 91% of new electricity generation capacity added to the grid in the first quarter. Solar generation surpassed coal generation in May 2026, meeting 13% of total American electricity needs. California and Texas experienced record-breaking performance in battery storage and solar generation, with Texas emerging as the fastest-growing utility-scale solar market in the country. Regional transmission organizations nationwide set new solar generation records, underscoring the crucial role of renewable assets in ensuring grid reliability.
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Are Electric Cars Making Us Healthier?
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to significant improvements in air quality in cities like Beijing and California, with reductions in PM2.5, PM10, and carbon monoxide levels. This shift has resulted in the avoidance of hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and is estimated to bring over $1.2 trillion in public health benefits between 2020 and 2050. While the global sales of EVs continue to rise, concerns remain about environmental damage in EV supply chains and the reliance on coal in China's electricity grid. The American Lung Association advocates for federal investment in EV charging stations to further promote the transition to cleaner transportation options. The impact of EVs has been more pronounced in economically developed cities compared to less developed regions, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address air pollution and promote sustainable transportation solutions.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/electric-vehicles-air-quality-health/