March 2025 News Items
March 3, 2025
Topanga Canyon Boulevard will remain closed for public safety concerns while crews work to repair damage from the Palisades fire and recent rain, the California Department of Transportation said. Video from mid-February released by Caltrans shows State Road 27 between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive completely covered in mud, rock and debris prior to excavation.
Across the Sierra Nevada, this winter has been a tale of ups and downs, wets and dry and cold and warm temperatures. Now, the snowpack looks to be back on track for a normal year, with more storms on the way.
California snowpack rebounds amid a wobbly winter, with more storms on the way – KQED
Across the Sierra Nevada, this winter has been a tale of ups and downs, wets and dry and cold and warm temperatures. Now, the snowpack looks to be back on track for a normal year, with more storms on the way.
California’s high-speed rail aspirations threaten to become a slow-motion train wreck. The political window to fund the first segment from Merced to Bakersfield appears to have come and gone. Ahead, absent a change of direction, is a trickle of inadequate funding from Sacramento and a lot of rail-bashing from Donald Trump and California Republicans.
February 2025 News Items
February 28, 2025
DWR approves 15 groundwater sustainability plans in latest round of determinations (DWR via Maven’s Notebook)
Marking a major milestone towards sustainably managing California’s groundwater supplies, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced determinations for groundwater sustainability plans in 16 basins across the state. These plans are expected to present a roadmap for how local agencies will sustainably manage groundwater, acritical water supply for millions of Californians, over the long-term.
These customized plans are a critical piece towards implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) which is centered around the local control of groundwater basins. Passed in 2014, the law calls for local groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) to develop and implement plans to achieve the sustainability goals of groundwater basins over a 20-year period. California’s groundwater basins, which collectively make up a massive underground reservoir, provide a critical water supply for over 15 million people, especially during dry years when surface water supplies are lacking. As California adapts to a hotter, drier future, these groundwater supplies will become a more vital resource for local water agencies and agriculture.
Trump’s Plan to Repeal Climate Policy Could Upend Shift to Electric Cars (The New York Times)
The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are preparing an unusual legislative maneuver in an effort to eliminate one of the country’s most ambitious climate policies, an order that was designed to shift the auto industry toward electric cars.
They plan to vote to overturn a California ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars in that state by 2035. To do it, they intend to use the Congressional Review Act, a 1996 law that permits lawmakers to reverse recently-adopted regulations with a simple majority vote. But the California ban is not a federal regulation, it’s a different animal. It’s the result of a waiver that was granted by the Biden administration under the 1970 Clean Air Act, something that has been done more than a hundred times over the years by administrations of both parties. And itis not subject to congressional review, according to a 2023 decision by the Government Accountability Office.
February 24, 2025
California Water Resources Board clamps down on Kern County Groundwater Sustainability (KGET)
If stakeholders in Kern County’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan want to avoid a state takeover, they’ll need to do a better job of monitoring and measuring pumping activity, avoiding land subsidence and setting minimal groundwater levels.
Newsom appoints Dawn Ortiz-Legg to California Air Resources Board (Cal Coast News)
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg to a seat on the California Air Resources Board on Feb. 20. The appointment requires Senate confirmation, according to a press release.
The Surprising Slowdown in California’s Electric Vehicle Boom: What’s Happening? (MotoPaddock)
Californians, famously eco-conscious, face an unexpected twist in the electric vehicle (EV) saga: a surprising stagnation in growth. The EV market, once charging ahead with a 46% jump, has sputtered to a mere 1% increase in registrations for 2024. With Tesla commanding a hefty 52.5% of the market, other automakers are left scrambling to hit the state-mandated 35% EV sales target. Failing to meet these benchmarks could spell penalties and restrict gasoline vehicle supplies, squeezing consumer choices and possibly inflating prices.
February 20, 2025
Trump Administration to review whether California high-speed rail is ‘worthy’ of federal funds (NBC4 Los Angeles)
A top Trump Administration official said Thursday that federal funding for California’s troubled high-speed rail project will be reviewed to determine whether the federal government will continue to provide money for construction.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the federal funding review in front of a boisterous crowd at a news conference inside downtown LA’s historic Union Station. Duffy announced plans to direct the Federal Railroad Administration to initiate a compliance review of funding for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Duffy said the review will focus on additional funds approved by the Biden Administration, but not yet allocated, for the Merced-to-Bakersfield rail connection, one portion of the construction project.
New rules that could increase California gas prices placed on hold. Here’s why they were paused (The Sacramento Bee)
Controversial changes to air pollution rules that could increase gasoline prices in California were placed on hold this week by a state agency that reviews regulations.
The California Air Resources Board in November approved revisions to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which it said would increase cleaner fuel and transportation options for residents. The Office of Administrative Law, which reviews regulations to make sure they are clear and legally valid, sent the air board a disapproval notice on Tuesday.
February 13, 2025
Ahead of Valentines Day, a group of state employees asked California leaders to show public servants some extra love.
Roughly 100 union members marched from SEIU Local 1000’s office on R Street to the nearby California Department of Human Resources’ building on Wednesday to deliver over 13,000 petitions, demanding the state grant a conditional 4% raise, instead of the normal 3% salary increase.
The 4% raise is conditional on “trigger language” that is included in SEIU Local 1000’s contract, which would give rank-and-file members an additional 1% salary increase on top of the 3% workers have received in previous years. The condition? The Finance Department director will decide whether the state has enough extra money in the budget to grant the 1% increase. The Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw has until the May budget revision to determine whether the state can afford the raise.
I have been around western water management long enough to work for some very different leaders. In Arizona, I worked under Gov. Bruce Babbitt implementing the state’s groundwater management act. Later, in California, I worked for Govs. Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both with different styles and priorities.
Now, however, I fear we have entered a new, dangerous era under President Donald Trump’s second term. In recent days, we have witnessed water management decisions being made in Washington without the benefit of input from local experts and those being impacted.
Western water is as complex as an issue can get. Trump’s uninformed, shoot-from-the-hip style does not bode well for addressing the many connected and complicated issues facing western water managers.
February 10, 2025
Huge piles of mud still block California road, drone footage shows – USA Today
Road crews are continuing to clear a mudslide that blocked access to the historic Topanga Canyon outside Los Angeles following the devastating Palisades Fire last month. The mudslide sloshed into the canyon early on Jan. 27, forcing the closure of SR-27. Caltrans on Feb. 2 said the road would be closed indefinitely, and on Saturday, Feb. 8, announced that a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway, where the Topanga Canyon Road starts, would remain closed indefinitely.
Atmospheric river-fueled storms that soaked California over the past week benefited the state’s water supply. In addition to providing a “much-needed boost to the statewide snowpack,” storms increased storage in California’s major water supply reservoirs, said Michael Anderson, state climatologist with the California Department of Water Resources.
STAX Engineering plans to bring its exhaust-emissions collection barge to Europe and the UK after seeing growth in its home ports in California. The US technology firm has developed a unique, elegantly simple system to collect and treat ships’ emissions as they rise out of the funnels of berthed vessels. Ships using STAX’s system to comply with the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) strict emissions rules are given permits that exempt them from having to fit new technologies, use expensive fuels, or connect to onshore power. STAX has been developing ship-exhaust capture technologies under the guidance of CARB and now, buoyed by that experience, the company has its eyes on the European Union and the UK.
February 6, 2025
The majority of public servants who are eligible to work remotely are turning up to state offices at least twice a week, per Gov. Gavin Newsom’s directive issued last April. But the provision included language to allow employees to keep working remotely full-time on a case-by-case basis, notably for reasonable accommodations or “individual circumstances and the specific needs and objectives of the department.” Newsom’s office said in a statement most departments were in compliance with the telework policy.
PCH closes one day after reopening – LAist
Pacific Coast Highway will be closed “out of an abundance of caution” from Chautauqua Boulevard in L.A. to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu, according to Caltrans. The roughly 9-mile closure starts Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 3 p.m. until at least Friday, when Caltrans engineers will assess whether it’s safe to reopen the highway to the public.
The California inspector general tasked with reviewing the state’s high speed rail program issued a new report stating the first segment is likely to be more than three years behind schedule and faces a $6.5 billion funding gap.
February 3, 2025
The California Transportation Commission Friday allocated $1 billion for projects aimed at solving mobility challenges and aiding California’s continued effort to make the highway system more resilient to climate change. Of the total investment allocated this month, nearly $623 million comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Another $295 million comes from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Newsom orders more water for California farmers and towns – CalMatters
As downpours soak Northern California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered state officials to capture and store more stormwater in San Joaquin Valley reservoirs for farmers and towns and to “remove or minimize” any obstacles that stand in the way.
No, LA wildfires haven’t emitted more CO2 than all US cars | Fact check – USA Today via Yahoo News
The claim: Los Angeles wildfires produced more CO2 in two days than American cars have in decades. Our rating: False.
January 2025 News Items
January 30, 2025
Researchers recently found former state and local government employees contributed $28 billion in wages and salaries over the span of a year across California through pension spending. The study by the National Institute on Retirement Security reports that from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, the service industry was the largest beneficiary of pension spending. Hospitals were a close second. More broadly, pension payments made to California resident retirees contributed $17 billion in local, state and federal taxes. Every dollar paid to pension recipients in California yielded $1.27 in economic benefits for the state, NIRS researchers found.
These Roads Aren’t Built for Wilder Weather Driven by Climate Change – Bloomberg
Important motorways across the world, including stretches of California’s scenic Highway 1, weren’t designed to withstand more extreme temperatures and rainfall.
The Electric Vehicle Fight Turns to California – Wired
Last week, in a wide-ranging executive order targeting green energy policies, the Trump administration said it would seek to “terminate” state emissions waivers “that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles.” The order, at this point more political messaging document than anything with the force of law, puts California’s clean car goals in the Trump administration’s crosshairs. Whoever wins this fight could determine the future of electric vehicles not just in the US, but—given the number of vehicles both sold and made in the country—globally, too.
January 27, 2025
Los Angeles County’s first significant storm in more than eight months has already forced the closure of the 5 Freeway at the Grapevine, unleashed mud on roadways, and triggered the closure of Malibu’s public schools Monday due to dangerous road conditions. Interstate 5 was closed at the Grapevine — the key section of roadway through the Tejon Pass that connects Los Angeles County with the Central Valley. The Grapevine was ordered shut late Sunday night, and crews were “working to clear snow,” the California Department of Transportation said. Caltrans on Monday morning suggested using U.S. 101 as an alternate route between Los Angeles County and Central California.
Toyota Truck Unit to Settle Emissions Fraud Charges for $1.6 Billion – The New York Times (free read)
Toyota Motors’ trucking unit has agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges and pay $1.6 billion in civil and criminal penalties for fraudulently concealing excess emissions from diesel engines sold in the United States, the federal Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday. California, which has stricter emissions requirements than the federal government, will receive $237 million as part of a settlement.
Trump directs US government to override California water policies if necessary – Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered the federal government to override the state of California’s water-management practices to bolster firefighting efforts. The executive order comes two days after Trump visited the Los Angeles region, which has been devastated by a series of wildfires. Trump has falsely claimed that Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and other officials refused to provide water from the northern part of the state to fight the fires.
January 23, 2025
Sacramento Delta water: Trump looks to move more water south – CalMatters via LAist
President Donald Trump lost no time Monday in advancing his agenda for California’s water supply with a “presidential action” intended to send more Delta water south to millions of Southern Californians and San Joaquin Valley farms.
California Air Resources Board awards $31 million to LA MER project – WorkBoat
Catalina Express, Harbor Breeze Cruises, and the Port of Los Angeles have recently secured a $31 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to test emission-reduction vessel technologies. The grant will fund passenger ferry and excursion boat demonstration projects focused on reducing emissions from harbor craft.
Assembly Republicans this week introduced a pair of bills aimed at defunding the California High-Speed Rail Authority. AB 267 and AB 273 both would reroute the approximately $1 billion that the state gives to the authority each year from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund toward projects addressing wildfire prevention and water storage instead
January 16, 2025
The state narrowed its goal of eliminating 10,000 unfilled government jobs by over a third, the Finance Department said Friday, after the Newsom administration opted to preserve vacant positions related to public safety and emergency services. California Director of Finance Joe Stephenshaw said 6,500 empty positions were eliminated as part of a planned vacancy sweep, 3,500 fewer than originally mandated, because “We understood that there were resources that we did not want impacted.”
FHWA Tightens “Buy American” Rules for Federal Infrastructure Projects – For Construction Pros
Although it didn’t come as a surprise to many industry experts, as of Jan. 15, 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) waiver program, which had long allowed certain American-based manufacturing requirements to be ignored, came to an end. It likely comes as one of the final policy acts by the Biden Administration on infrastructure, which passed many historic and unprecedented legislative initiatives to be felt for decades to come.
What to know about online claims about who owns California’s water – CBS News via AOL
Accusations that one wealthy couple, Stewart and Lynda Resnick, have been hoarding water needed to fight the Southern California wildfires have been spreading widely online. While the Resnicks do own a large stake in the Kern Water Bank 150 miles from Los Angeles, claims they are hoarding the supply or hindering the fight to control the blazes aren’t true. Felicia Marcus, former chair of the California State Water Resources Control Board, said that the state constitution includes a “prohibition against waste and unreasonable use.” That means that if “you actually ended up in a situation where somebody was withholding water at a grand scale,” the government could step in.
January 13, 2025
California has more money than expected. Here’s how Gavin Newsom wants to spend it – CalMatters
No deficits. A “modest” surplus of $363 million. Almost $17 billion more in revenue than planned. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office laid out its vision Friday for how California should spend its considerable bounty, a total budget of $322 billion — projected to be the second-largest state spending plan ever.
California wildfires: Water supply becomes flashpoint in Trump-Newsom fight – The Hill
The blazes burning across the Los Angeles region are not only devastating property and lives, but also fueling political arguments over how to fight the fires, with President-elect Trump blaming state officials for a dearth of available water supplies.
Regional, state officials take step forward on Otay Mesa Port of Entry Project – NBC San Diego
The San Diego Association of Governments and the state Department of Transportation approved major agreements Friday to construct a port of entry in Otay Mesa, taking one more step toward making the project a reality.
January 9, 2025
Deadly California wildfires close interstates, may disrupt freight across LA area – Freight Waves
At least three wildfires are burning out of control on the north side of the Los Angeles metro area, driven by dry conditions and extremely high winds. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire tore through neighborhoods from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, burning thousands of structures and claiming at least five lives so far. The California Department of Transportation District 7 issued a statement via X about interstate closures as wind-driven flames jumped highways and moved inland.
EPA Approves California’s Strict Harbor Craft Emissions Rule – The Maritime Executive
With just days to go before the end of the Biden administration, the EPA has approved a controversial California rule requiring diesel particulate filters aboard ship-assist tugs and other small harbor craft.
Two decades ago, California set an ambitious employment goal: To reflect the state’s diverse population, one sixth of the government’s workforce would be filled by people with disabilities. For years the state fell short of this objective, established by the State Personnel Board — and since the pandemic, California has fallen further from that 16.6% benchmark.
January 6, 2025
California logs 7.5% drop in fatal crashes in 2024 from previous year – San Gabriel Valley Tribune
California likely had fewer traffic fatalities in 2024 than in any of the previous five years, nearly returning to pre-pandemic numbers. An estimated 2,824 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the Golden State in the first nine months of 2024, according to new preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — down from more than 3,000 in the same timeframe in 2023.
California may miss hydrogen station target by 60% – Mobility Plaza
The state of California could fall short by 60% of its 2025 target to establish 200 hydrogen refueling stations according to a new report by the California Air Resources Board.
Northern California Snowpack Off to a Much Stronger Start Than Last Year – KQED (San Francisco)
The snowpack near Lake Tahoe is far larger than it was at the start of 2024 but still short of the average for this time of year, California water officials said Thursday in the first manual snow survey of the season.
January 2, 2025
The popular program that has allowed more than 1.1 million California motorists to drive solo in carpool lanes in their low and zero-emission vehicles for more than two decades is set to expire this coming year. Absent Congress approving an extension, the Clean Air Vehicle decal program — heavily used by Teslas and other electric cars — will expire Sept. 30, 2025. The removal of solo drivers from carpool lanes could have a major impact on some highways, though transportation officials are cautious in making precise predictions.
California water officials to conduct first snow survey of 2025 – KCRA (Sacramento)
The start of another new year means another series of snow surveys conducted by the California Department of Water Resources. And many times over the years, questions arise as to why the state measures the snowpack and why it even matters to the everyday person. In short: The snowpack is an integral part of our water supply in the hotter and drier months of the year.
China Unveils Fastest High-Speed Train in the World – Newsweek via MSN
Officials in China have debuted a new model of high-speed train, which they say could be the world’s fastest when it enters commercial service. The CR450 bullet train prototype, which debuted in Beijing on Sunday, has a test speed of 450 kilometers (280 miles) per hour, authorities said—meaning it would break records already set by China for the fastest high-speed train.
December 2024 News Items
December 30, 2024
The California Water Commission has released their strategic plan for the next five years on how they will work to ensure California’s water supply as drought continues and climate change takes its toll on the state.
Brightline West high-speed rail construction could start soon – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Brightline West has a ton of momentum heading into the new year after securing billions in federal funding for the planned high-speed rail line to connect Southern Nevada to Southern California.
December 26, 2024
Stellantis unit to pay $4.2 million to resolve California emissions probe – Reuters
Stellantis unit FCA US agreed to pay $4.2 million to resolve a California investigation into excess emissions, the state said on Monday. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said the vehicles covered by the settlement for violations of air quality regulations include 2014 through 2016 Ram ProMaster 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
California Reservoir Update: Millions to See 10 Percent Surge in Water – Newsweek
Water levels at some California reservoirs are on the rise, prompting California Department of Water Resources (DWR) officials to announce an increase in planned water deliveries for 27 million Californians in 2025.
December 23, 2024
Trucking Congestion Costs $108.8 Billion – Material Handling & Logistics
According to a recent study published by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), traffic congestion on U.S. highways added a record-high $108.8 billion in costs to the trucking industry in 2022. Put another way, the level of delay equaled more than 430,000 commercial truck drivers sitting idle for one work year and an average cost of $7,588 for every registered combination truck. Texas experienced the highest trucking congestion costs ($9.17 billion), followed by California ($8.77 billion), and Florida ($8.44 billion).
New operating rules for massive Delta systems will increase water deliveries to Southern California cities and some growers. Salmon numbers could drop, especially in dry years.
The effort to put new gas cars in the rearview – Los Angeles Times
Californians could begin to see fewer new cars with gas tanks for sale across the state starting in 2026. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave the Golden State the greenlight on two major clean air rules this week. One will phase out sales of new gasoline-powered cars statewide by 2035, and the other sets stricter emission standards for heavy trucks.
December 19, 2024
A California man sued several government agencies this week over a plan to illuminate the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge with thousands of LED lights, claiming the art installation harms the environment and discriminates against people with disabilities. The lawsuit names the Bay Area Toll Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the California Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration as defendants.
U.S. EPA approves California plan to ban sale of gas-only cars starting in 2035 – Reuters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it has approved California’s landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035. The decision in the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s administration sets up a fight over the future of California’s vehicle regulations. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to rescind approvals granted by the EPA to California to require more EVs and tighter vehicle emissions standards.
California’s New Water Wars: Farms, Cities, and the AI Revolution – Medium
Artificial Intelligence (AI), the silent disruptor, is rising as an unanticipated rival in California’s water crisis. While agriculture and urban users have long been locked in a contentious tug-of-war over the state’s finite water supply, AI is emerging as a new player — one whose insatiable thirst for water is quietly but rapidly tipping the scales.
December 16, 2024
Planners prepare for Marin-Sonoma Narrows debut – The Marin Independent Journal via MSN
As the Marin-Sonoma Narrows widening project nears completion, planners are considering how best to regulate new commuter lanes on Highway 101. The 17-mile stretch between Novato and Petaluma received its “narrows” nickname because the road contracted from three lanes to two lanes in each direction, creating daily gridlock. The 13-year, $762 million construction project adds a carpool lane in each direction.
Growers and cities support the Newsom administration proposal, saying it strikes a balance for the uses of Delta water. But environmentalists say the “healthy rivers” rules would harm California’s iconic salmon.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to grant $135 million to California school districts and state and local governments to help them switch to battery electric vehicles. The move follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s August announcement of $500 million in state aid to put 1,000 electric school buses on the road in California. Last year, the governor mandated that all new school buses sold starting in 2035 must be zero-emission vehicles.
December 12, 2024
The California Transportation Commission allocated $830 million at its December meeting to fund a broad range of investments to improve access and safety, provide sustainable projects and help support the infrastructural backbone of the globe’s fifth-largest economy. The approved allocations include $249 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and another $306 million via Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
California High-Speed Rail Federal Funding Targeted by House Republican – Newsweek
A Republican lawmaker has set his sights on federal funding for California’s high-speed rail, driven by the ambitious initiative’s escalating costs and significant delays. On Wednesday, California Representative Kevin Kiley announced that he would be proposing a bill to halt federal funding for the “failed California High-Speed Rail Project.”
America’s largest reservoir is filling up with water thanks to California – SFGate
After years of decline and the threat of reaching “dead pool” status, Lake Mead’s water levels are finally on the rise, the Colorado River Board of California announced last week. The fate of the Nevada reservoir has long been intertwined with the actions of farmers in California’s Imperial Valley, who hold some of the oldest water rights to the Colorado River and receive the largest share of the drought-stressed river’s water in California. Now, efforts to cut back water use in California’s hot and dry southeastern corner seem to be paying off.
December 9, 2024
California’s water department braces for a bone-dry 2025 – SFGate
Just 5% of California’s water supply from the State Water Project is slated to be distributed among the state’s farms, municipalities, and residential communities in 2025, the California Department of Water Resources announced Monday. The forecast — which is based on reservoir storage and conservative rainfall estimations — is even lower than last year’s 10% initial allocation, and dry, hot weather patterns are likely to blame.
The Government Push To Change Road Construction Materials To Impact Climate Change – Forbes
Combating climate change through greener asphalt, steel, and concrete for roads is the goal of a new federal highway grant program giving billions to states, along with a companion agency initiative to issue emissions labels for transportation materials. The Federal Highway Administration recently awarded $1.19 billion in grants to state transportation departments to help them launch purchasing programs requiring projects to use low-carbon materials instead of traditional construction inputs.
December 5, 2024
Major construction on California’s Highway 101 to take 3 years – SFGate
A major construction project will kick off on Highway 101 near the popular Refugio State Beach exit north of Santa Barbara, Caltrans announced. Weather will be a factor.
Just a day into the new legislative session, two lawmakers introduced bills to address a controversial decision by the California Air Resources Board. The measures are prompted by arguments that CARB’s recent amendments to the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) would raise gas prices.
California’s high-speed train will be fully powered by solar energy, making it the first high-speed rail system in the world powered exclusively by green energy.
December 2, 2024
USDOT Is Pushing Out Billions In Grants Before Trump Takes Over – Forbes via Head Topics
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the department will continue dispersing funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for major road, airport, bridge and rail projects “until the closing bell.”
SJV WATER: New study shows the valley is sinking an inch per year – Maven’s Notebook
New research shows that the San Joaquin Valley is sinking faster than ever due to excessive groundwater pumping.
Dean Florez was one of two board members who did not agree with the LCFS. The board ultimately passed the measure that could raise gas prices next year.
November 2024 News Items
November 25, 2024
The future of California rest stops is coming for Interstate 5 – SF Gate
About a quarter of the journey south of the Bay Area on both sides of I-5, the John “Chuck” Erreca Safety Roadside Rest Area stands out — not only for its historical significance, honoring California’s original highway pioneer, but for its promise of a more modernized highway pit stop future following a $34 million replacement project.
State’s outlook for water year is uncertain so far – Westside Connect
California experienced its hottest summer on record this year, but previous above-average and normal water years helped the state maintain a good supply of surface water in reservoirs and recharge more groundwater, according to an update presented to the California State Water Resources Control Board last week. However, water officials said that with about half the state’s average annual precipitation arriving during December, January, and February, the water supply outlook is uncertain at this point in the season.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday defended a recent controversial decision by the California Air Resources Board to tighten a carbon-reduction rule, telling reporters in Fresno that blame for gasoline price increases rests with oil companies.
November 21, 2024
California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom are looking at a $2 billion deficit ahead of the next fiscal year, according to a report released Wednesday by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office. It’s a dramatic improvement over last year’s budget picture when the LAO initially projected a $68 billion shortfall. However, the report cautions state leaders that revenues are unlikely to keep up with recent spending growth, meaning Newsom and the Democratic-led legislature cannot afford to take on new commitments next year.
California awarded $5.6M federal transportation technology grant – Transportation Today
The federal government recently awarded Caltrans a $5.6 million Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation program grant. The department will use the funding to provide real-time information to drivers using cellular networks to connect vehicles and roadside equipment.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s August 2022 Water Supply Strategy sets ambitious targets for the recycling of water, aiming to recycle at least 800,000 acre-feet per year by 2030 and 1.8 million acre-feet by 2040. Rebecca Greenwood, a state engineering geologist said in a recent presentation to the State Water Resources Control Board that California is “on the path to meet our 2030 goal … but it really will require additional investments and project planning to meet our 2040 goal.” [Greenwood is a PECG member]
November 18, 2024
The Vincent Thomas Bridge, which connects San Pedro with Terminal Island, is expected to be closed for 16 months in “late 2025 or early 2026,” according to officials, for what’s being described as a much-needed construction project. So, what does that mean for drivers?
Caught between the possibility of hundreds of thousands of people losing the ability to flush their toilets and an eroding beach, the California Coastal Commission begrudgingly approved on Thursday a project to construct a seawall along a portion of San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. The project also includes plans for a portion of the city’s Great Highway to be permanently closed to car traffic to create public trails and beach access for pedestrians.
Los Angeles will soon begin building a $740-million project to transform wastewater into purified drinking water in the San Fernando Valley, expanding the city’s local water supply in an effort to prepare for worsening droughts compounded by climate change. The project follows the California Water Resources Control Board’s adoption last year of nation-leading regulations allowing water utilities to begin developing facilities that put highly treated recycled water straight into drinking-water supplies.
November 14, 2024
Deal to expand reservoir should boost California’s water supply – KTVU News (San Francisco)
An agreement to expand a reservoir just south of the Bay Area is expected to provide a big boost to California’s water supply. The nearly $1 billion deal involves the San Luis Reservoir, between Gilroy and Los Banos. Eight state water agencies have reached an agreement with the federal government to raise the height of its dam by more than 10 feet.
Is US high-speed rail finally on a roll? – Smart Cities Dive
High-speed rail projects are under construction in California and Nevada and in the planning stages in the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast and Texas. Government officials, industry leaders, labor representatives and rail advocates this summer and fall described the growing momentum in the U.S. for true high-speed trains like those in Europe, Japan and China.
November 7, 2024
Prop. 4 passes: Californians approve $10 billion for water, wildfire, climate projects – CalMatters
California will spend $10 billion to fund water, climate, wildfire, and natural resource projects after voters approved a bond measure in Tuesday’s election.
America’s high-speed rail system lags far behind other countries when it comes to both scale and speed, but strides are being made across the country to play catch-up. Here are five projects leading the way, including two that will run in California.`
Media Briefing will not be published on Monday in observance of Veterans Day.
November 4, 2024
A particularly worrisome mussel species has snuck into North America for the first time through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta — sparking what many are calling an immediate threat to California’s most significant watersheds. Golden mussels, which have devastated ecosystems and critical water infrastructure in other parts of the world, were recently discovered near the Port of Stockton and many miles downstream into O’Neill Forebay of the San Luis Reservoir. “The species poses a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality,” according to a public alert by the California Department of Water Resources and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Vincent Thomas Bridge over Los Angeles Harbor to close for 16 months – KTLA
The Vincent Thomas Bridge, a crucial traffic artery that provides connectivity between Los Angeles and its shipping centers, will close for over a year for critical deck replacements, Caltrans announced last week.
California secures $54.5M grant to build Madera high-speed rail station – Progressive Railroading
The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority and the California Department of Transportation secured $54.5 million in federal funding through the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance program, known as a Mega grant, to build the Madera high-speed rail station project.
November 1, 2024
Caltrans’ Fix50 Mobility Project Still on Schedule – Construction Equipment Guide
In hopes of meeting a September 2025 deadline, construction crews in California are working night and day on Caltrans’ $484 million Fix50 Project.
When Cynthia Ruiz turns on her kitchen faucet, she hears a slight squeak before cloudy fluid bursts out of the spout. The water in her Central Valley town of East Orosi is clean enough most of the time to wash dishes, flush toilets, and take showers, but it’s not safe to swallow. Drinking water is trucked in twice a month. Tucked in a $10 billion climate bond on the November ballot is an earmark to improve drinking water quality for communities such as East Orosi. But it’s a fraction of what the state says is needed.
California inks sustainable aviation fuel deal with major airlines – The Hill
California signed an agreement Wednesday with the country’s leading passenger and cargo airlines to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuels across the state. The California Air Resources Board and Airlines for America — an industry trade group representing almost a dozen airlines — pledged to increase the availability of sustainable aviation fuels statewide.
October 2024 News Items
October 28, 2024
USDOT Announces $96.5 Million in Transportation Technology Grants – Roads & Bridges
Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced more than $96.5 million in grants to 16 states for 20 projects under the Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) program. Caltrans will receive $5.6 million for its Interoperable Vehicle-to-Everything and connected vehicle infrastructure. ATTAIN funds technology-based and multimodal solutions that improve the travel experience for millions of Americans who use highway and transit systems.
Newsom urges faster approval for ethanol gas blend – Hey SoCal via Microsoft News
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday directed the California Air Resources Board to speed up the process of adding more ethanol to gasoline, aiming to lower pump prices without compromising environmental protections.
Brightline West has taken significant steps forward in its high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas to Southern California, conducting field investigations along the I-15 corridor in Southern Nevada.
October 21, 2024
California’s public retirement system is reviewing a request to divest from Tesla – KCRA 3
California’s public retirement system confirmed last week that it is closely reviewing a request to divest from Tesla.
Caltrans receiving nearly $4 billion to improve travel infrastructure – KEYT News (San Luis Obispo)
The California Transportation Commission last week allocated approximately $3.8 billion for projects that will continue to refurbish the state’s transportation infrastructure, enhance safety and create more options for the traveling public.
New Drought Monitor report shows growing dryness in California – ABC News 10
The new U.S. Drought Monitor shows growing severe drought in the southeast corner of California. Moderate drought is also expanding in the same region and near the Oregon border.
October 17, 2024
Understanding landslides: A new model for predicting motion – Phys.org via Microsoft News
Along coastal California, the possibility of earthquakes and landslides is commonly prefaced by the phrase, “not if, but when.” This precarious reality is now a bit more predictable thanks to researchers who found that conditions known to cause slip along fault lines deep underground also lead to landslides above. They point to California’s iconic Highway 1 as a prime example of how insights from their study can have a positive, practical impact.
Atmospheric rivers are forecast to “drench the West Coast” this winter, according to a recent meteorological report.
California High-Speed Rail Plans Shown in 3D – Newsweek via Microsoft News
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has unveiled a new 3D public art installation that brings the state’s long-anticipated project to life.
October 14, 2024
Caltrans has the go-ahead to add a part-time lane to southbound Highway 101 in Pismo Beach — an area of the highway famous for afternoon traffic jams.
A three-year program that incentivizes Imperial Valley hay farmers to decrease the water they take from the Colorado River has raised concerns it’s also accelerating the decline of the Salton Sea, which is fed by agricultural runoff. California officials are years behind schedule on plans to build wetlands at the Salton Sea, although the state has largely finished construction of a 4,100-acre habitat area along the south shore. And Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation this year establishing a Salton Sea Conservancy that will coordinate efforts to protect public health and bolster the lake’s ecosystem.
October 10, 2024
Caltrans has identified more than 140 locations for improving access for animals in its new Wildlife Connectivity Report. The document mentions current efforts to resolve 31 barriers on state highways to fish and wildlife.
CARB, truck and engine manufacturers announce clean truck partnership – The Buzz EV News
The California Air Resources Board announced a Clean Truck Partnership with truck manufacturers and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association. CARB says this partnership is aimed at advancing the development of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for the commercial trucking industry, which includes flexibility for manufacturers to meet emissions requirements while still reaching the state’s climate and emission reduction goals.
State Water Board approves boost in rates for 2024-25 – Maven’s Notebook
California State Water Resources Control Board has approved rate increases – including for groundwater recharge projects – that farmers and ranchers pay. The money will go toward water rights and water quality programs. The higher fees come as California water users and local agencies work to balance critically overdrafted aquifers under the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
October 7, 2024
Caltrans Surpasses Record $15 Billion in Transportation Construction Projects – Equipment World
Caltrans recently hit a record milestone: $15 billion in contracts under construction across the state. The state also reached a record 1,060 projects in progress across the state last month.
California May Require Bidirectional Charging EVs. That Could Save Lives – Inside EVs
It didn’t get a ton of attention in the wider press, but a new law signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom is an extremely big deal. SB 59 empowers the California Air Resources Board and other agencies to require that future EVs be “capable of both charging and discharging electricity.” That feature can be an absolute life-saver during emergencies.
California’s new water recycling rules turn wastewater to tap water. What this means for you – LAist
Water recycling — once dubbed “toilet-to-tap” by naysayers — has officially entered a new era in California.
October 3, 2024
Caltrans surprised the Albion community again. At Thursday’s online meeting called to discuss why the Albion River Bridge needs to be replaced rather than restored as some have advocated, the state agency presented a mostly new mountain of facts about why the old bridge has plummeted in safety ratings in recent years and therefore must be replaced.
California is gearing up for weather extremes at the start of the water year – Spectrum News 1
The start of this water year brings many challenges to the California Department of Water Resources. The state’s water managers must be ready for both wet and dry conditions. California is coming off the heels of a record-hot summer while also expecting effects from a looming La Niña weather pattern. However, the change in climatology over the past decade poses the biggest challenge of all. In the last ten years, the state has faced climate extremes, and that trend is expected to continue.
CARB proposes additional changes to LCFS amendments – Biodiesel Magazine
The California Air Resources Board on Oct. 1 published a second set of proposed changes to its pending Low Carbon Fuel Standard modifications, including those that would limit the use of sunflower oil feedstock for biomass-based diesel production and update regulations related to corn stover and biomethane.
September 2024 News Items
September 30, 2024
Documents shed light on how a Caltrans freeway-widening project lost a $100 million competitive grant and then won the same grant a year later without material changes to the project — or competing against other applicants.
The California High-Speed Rail has received its biggest boost from the federal government yet, being awarded more than $3 billion in grant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Typically, fall rain starts in October, then the bulk of California’s rain falls from December to February. April is when we see peak snowpack. So, what will this year look like? Climate experts are warning us to be ready for some extremes. The rainy season could be delayed this year, but when it arrives, forecasters are urging people to be ready because we could see more intense precipitation even during dry years.
September 26, 2024
Ian Choudri’s new job: Getting that bag – Politico
Weary watchers of California’s oft-maligned high speed rail project have a message for its new CEO: Show us the money. Ian Choudri is stepping into the lead role for the decades-old plan to construct a rail line linking the Bay Area to Los Angeles as the job is becoming simpler — and simultaneously more challenging.
Californians who steal water from rivers will soon be subject to much steeper fines – The Hill
Fines for stealing California water resources will sharply increase after Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) last weekend signed A.B. 460. The new law will raise fines to a maximum of $10,000 daily. That’s 20 times more than violators had to pay two years ago, when state officials charged $4,000 — about $50 per person — when a group of Siskiyou County ranchers diverted water from Shasta River, according to CalMatters.
September 23, 2024
The families of the four Pepperdine University students who were struck and killed on Pacific Coast Highway last year and a fifth student who was injured in the incident have sued the local and state agencies they say are responsible for the deadly roadway. Four lawsuits filed Friday in Santa Monica claim the State of California, Caltrans, the California Coastal Commission, Los Angeles County, and the City of Malibu are responsible for the dangerous design of PCH and a failure to implement adequate safety measures.
California carbon emissions are falling, but not fast enough to reach the state’s 2030 climate targets, according to data released Friday by the Air Resources Board. Leaders predicted that new and existing industry regulations would put the state on track.
DWR marks 10 years of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act – WaterWorld
September 16, 2024, marked the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) for the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Here’s a list of the law’s accomplishments over the last decade.
September 19, 2024
California water board puts Tule Subbasin on probation – Courthouse News Service
California’s state water board Tuesday placed the Tule Subbasin on probationary status after a daylong hearing in which water agencies asked for a delay and a community group and many others urged for sanctions. The State Water Resources Control Board’s unanimous vote puts fees and reporting requirements on those who pull groundwater from the area. It’s the second such designation made this year by the board, with the first being the neighboring Tulare Lake Subbasin in April.
Locals know this California highway by many names. Why is it closing? – SFGate.com
A scenic state highway that runs parallel with Highway 101 on the Central Coast is closing for five weeks as Caltrans undergoes a storm damage repair project. Elsewhere on the highway, Caltrans began instituting one-way traffic control overnight for another section that needs resurfacing. Caltrans closed state Route 192 on Monday from Alamar Avenue to Sycamore Canyon Road until the middle of October to address a section of the hillside near Parma Park that had crumbled after the storms.
Could California become the first U.S. state to regulate airline emissions? – CBS News
California is split over a proposal to become the first U.S. state to regulate airline emissions. There is some question about whether the California Air Resources Board can legally regulate jet fuel. Meanwhile, airlines are lobbying against the idea.
September 16, 2024
The Mexican side of the new Otay Mesa II Port of Entry, currently under construction, will be ready in five weeks, according to officials south of the border. Meantime, construction on the U.S. side of the border – a joint venture between the California Department of Transportation and the San Diego Association of Governments – has yet to begin and is said to be at least two years behind schedule. It was supposed to be done by next month.
‘Buy America’ Feud Risks 200 Mile-an-Hour Rail From Vegas to L.A. – BNN Bloomberg
For nearly 20 years, a plan has been brewing for a high-speed rail line connecting Las Vegas to southern California. Something was always getting in the way, from ballooning budgets to bureaucratic red tape, not to mention developer and investor switcheroos. Now that shovels are finally in the ground on the $12 billion Brightline West project, there’s yet one more wrinkle: A corporate rivalry between two manufacturing giants vying to build the highly specialized trains that will reach speeds of more than 200 miles per hour — the fastest in the U.S.
Kings Co. farmers win preliminary injunction against state over groundwater restrictions – The Sun
Kings County farmers will not have to worry about potential state-mandated water restrictions for the time being. Last week, Superior Court Judge Kathy Ciuffini issued a preliminary injunction over the state’s decision to designate the Tulare Lake Subbasin as probationary, which would have triggered a $20 per acre-foot extraction fee for groundwater that is pumped into the basin.
September 12, 2024
Californians Are Breathing Far Less Vehicle Pollution, but Disparities Are Widening – NPR
Californians are breathing nearly two-thirds less pollution from vehicles than they were in the year 2000, according to a study published Wednesday — a tremendous decline showcasing that state policies focused on reducing vehicle emissions are working. However, the research also shows disparities are widening between the communities most exposed to harmful pollutants and those most protected from them. The California Air Resources Board has, more recently, woven such policies into its core mission — targeting cleaning up drayage trucks, which move freight in and out of ports, and programs that help lower-income Californians trade in highly polluting vehicles for electric ones.
In a major milestone, state regulators announced in July that nearly a million more Californians now have safe drinking water than five years ago. But across the state, the problem remains severe: More than 735,000 people are still served by the nearly 400 water systems that fail to meet state requirements for safe and reliable drinking water. Latino farm communities struggling with poverty and pollution are especially hard-hit.
Construction on a high-speed rail connection between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is currently underway, and a peek inside the cars shows it will be a luxurious option when complete.
September 9, 2024
State, federal assessors find risks post Borel Fire – Bakersfield Californian
State and federal authorities have mostly completed hazard and risk assessments in the burn scar of the Borel Fire, which burned close to 60,000 acres in the last two months, making it the largest wildfire in Kern County history. “The fire generally burned moderately with some areas of high in the upper elevations, particularly in areas that were dominated by more timber,” said Don Lindsay, senior engineering geologist/geotechnical engineer with the California Geological Survey.
Outgoing High-Speed Rail CEO: ‘Optimistic and Satisfied’ – The Fresno Bee via Yahoo News
For the past 6½ years, Brian Kelly led the California High-Speed Rail Authority through a complicated recalibration of its scope, budget, schedule and priorities as construction proceeded slowly in Fresno and the central San Joaquin Valley. As he approached his last day on the job before retiring on Aug. 30, Kelly sat for an exclusive interview with The Fresno Bee to reflect on his tenure. The discussion ranged from the progress of construction after a slow start to the challenges that lie ahead for the ambitious rail project.
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games less than four years away, is the time now to widen Interstate 15 from the Nevada state line to Barstow? Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman thinks so.
September 5, 2024
Why building U.S. highways is so expensive – Construction Dive
The U.S. overspends on its transportation infrastructure compared to its international peers, and a team of university researchers wanted to understand why. Their investigation found that a lack of DOT staff capacity and a dearth of contractor competition in the market are key drivers of high project costs.
Gov. Gavin Newsom drops drought emergency for Southern California and Bay Area – CBS News
After two wet winters, 19 counties encompassing most of California’s population have officially emerged from the drought emergency that has afflicted the state for the past three years.
Support for unions is strong, according to Gallup Labor Day poll – Spectrum 1 News
Support for labor unions is near an all-time high. According to the newest Gallup Labor Day poll, 70% of Americans say they approve of labor unions — up from 67% last year.
August 2024 News Items
August 29, 2024
DOT awards $521M in EV charging grants amid slowing sales growth – Smart Cities Dive
The U.S. Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced $521 million in grants to deploy more than 9,200 electric vehicle charging ports and build alternative-fueling infrastructure across 29 states, eight tribal areas and the District of Columbia. The largest grant is $102 million for the California Department of Transportation to deploy charging and hydrogen fueling stations for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles along 2,500 miles of key freight corridors on the West Coast to connect ports, freight centers, and agricultural regions between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
California Launches $500 Million Initiative for Zero-Emission School Buses – MarketWatch
California is rolling out a $500 million statewide program to introduce 1,000 new zero-emission school buses, according to the California Air Resources Board.
Please note that Media Briefing will not be published on September 2nd in observance of Labor Day.
August 26, 2024
California adopts plan to advance 7.6GW of offshore wind – Power Engineering International
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) last week unanimously adopted a proposal setting a need determination for 7.6GW of offshore wind by 2035. The plan stops short of authorizing DWR to procure wind at any price. Instead, CPUC is trying to reduce costs by scheduling three phases of procurement spanning 2027-2030, allowing lessons to be learned and cost savings to be realized later in the process.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s latest update, about a third of California was “abnormally dry” last week as parts of the state appear poised to return to triple-digit temperatures. As of Thursday, areas of “moderate drought” were isolated to Northern California while a sliver of the state near the Oregon border was under “severe drought,” the Drought Monitor said.
Tower Bridge outage in Sacramento caused by electrical issue, Caltrans says – KXTV News (Sacramento)
Electrical issues plague Sacramento’s prominent Tower Bridge landmark, with the lights on the east side of the structure closest to Sacramento out for about three weeks due to electrical cable problems, according to a Caltrans spokesman. He said some lights are also out on the west side, closer to West Sacramento in Yolo County, due to ballast issues.
August 22, 2024
As Colorado River states await water cuts, they struggle to find agreement on longer-term plans – Associated Press via ABC News
The federal government is expected to announce water cuts soon that would affect some of the 40 million people reliant on the Colorado River, the powerhouse of the U.S. West. The Interior Department announces water availability for the coming year months in advance so Western cities, farmers, and others can plan. Behind the scenes, however, more elusive plans are being hashed out: how the basin will share water from the diminishing 1,450-mile river after 2026 when many current guidelines that govern it expire.
Caltrans presents bridge replacement options at public meeting – Fort Bragg Advocate-News
Coastal residents packed into a crowded room at the Whitesboro Grange last week for a public meeting led by Caltrans to discuss various alternatives for replacing the historic Albion River Bridge while acknowledging the WWII-era wooden structure’s importance to the community.
Most people love infrastructure projects – sometimes the bigger the better. But large capital projects – whether building a new subway, hospital, or aircraft carrier – take time, and sometimes it’s a lot of time. Based on monthly financial reporting, it appears that the ongoing fiscal year (2024) is the tipping point where the massive funding increases provided by the 2021 infrastructure law for highway and transit spending started pouring out of the U.S. Treasury.
August 19, 2024
Caltrans halts Highway 1 repair work in Monterey County – Cal Coast News
Caltrans announced that it temporarily halted excavation work on Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide in Monterrey County because of ongoing landslide activity around the repair site.
Shell contracts emissions capture firm in Los Angeles – Splash Newsletter
Giant black pipes will be inserted into the funnels of tankers calling at Shell’s Mormon Island Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles from next year. STAX Engineering, a pioneer in maritime emissions capture and control, has entered into a five-year agreement with Shell, coinciding with new California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions regulations for tanker vessels kicking in from the start of 2025.
New bill could force ship owner to pay up to $854M for Baltimore bridge collapse – WABE/PBS
Following the catastrophic collapse earlier this year of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge upon impact with a vessel, a new Congressional bill would increase the limit on the ship owner’s liability for the disaster. measure introduced by U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-Ca.) and Hank Johnson (D-Ga) would increase the maximum liability for foreign-flagged ships to up to 10 times the combined cost of the ship and its cargo, excluding expenses. The bill would apply retroactively to the day before the bridge disaster. In April, the ship’s owner/manager filed a joint petition to cap its monetary liability for the collapse at $43.7 million. The company could pay up to $854 million if the bill passes.
August 15, 2024
Ignoring warnings that he “will probably die,” a bicyclist tried in vain to cross a stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur that was buried under a landslide — and promptly plummeted down the sheer rock and dirt face. Caltrans said it expects to reopen the section of highway affected by Regent’s Slide in the fall. Work has been delayed due to the danger and daily unpredictability at the site.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led a coalition of eight state attorneys general in filing a court brief supporting Ohio’s lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over California’s electric vehicle mandates. North Dakota is one of the states that signed the court filing. California’s mandate requires all new cars and vehicles sold in California to be electric by 2035. Bird and others allege the EPA violated the states’ equal sovereignty rights when the agency allowed California to pursue its own regulatory standards while preventing other states from doing so.
Caltrain debuts electric train service with VIP tour – Mass Transit
Caltrain recently debuted its electric fleet by hosting a VIP tour where participants boarded the trains for its historic inaugural service. The event included a 30-minute round-trip experience, starting in San Francisco, Calif., with the opportunity to engage with federal, state, local elected officials, as well as transportation, business, labor, and community leaders. The electric trains ran their first regular service on Aug 11.
August 12, 2024
Portion of major California highway to close for 2 weeks – SFGate
Tracing beneath the jagged ridges of the eastern Sierra Nevada, a portion of one of California’s best highways is fully closing for more than two weeks as Caltrans continues an ongoing effort to install a wildlife crossing under the roadway.
To achieve its ambitious climate goals, California will likely need to not only slash emissions but also remove huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using new and expensive technology. SB 308 would require the California Air Resources Board, the state agency tasked with reducing air pollution, to set targets to scale up the amount of carbon dioxide removed annually and report on that progress. The measure’s author thinks this will also help assure carbon-removal companies that they will have a robust market.
States could struggle to cut workforce costs in next downturn – Route Fifty
In the face of nascent fiscal challenges, Arizona, California, Maryland, and Massachusetts governors recently turned to a similar strategy to bring state budgets back into balance: They have sought to spend less on state employees. In taking these actions, the governors are following a well-worn script: When states face budget challenges they typically try to limit state head counts and personnel spending. But if states face new budget problems—later this year or in the future—there are good reasons to doubt that this strategy will achieve the same savings it has in the past. That’s primarily because many already allocate a significantly smaller share of their budgets toward salaries and wages.
August 8, 2024
A new video depicts the world’s largest wildlife crossing taking shape in Los Angeles’ Santa Monica Mountains. The long-awaited $92 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which broke ground in 2022, can be seen sitting above eight lanes of traffic within the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills.
The federal government has supported California state regulators in ordering BlueTriton Brands, the company behind Arrowhead bottled water, to cease drawing water from the San Bernardino Mountains. This decision follows concerns from environmental activists who argue that the company’s water extraction damages the local ecosystem, particularly the wildlife in Strawberry Creek. About a year ago, California’s Water Resources Control Board ordered BlueTriton to stop using water from the San Bernardino National Forest, where the springs are located.
California High-Speed Rail names new CEO – KTLA News
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has named its new chief executive officer to oversee the next phase of the project’s development. On Thursday, the CAHSR announced Ian Choudri as the next CEO, taking over for Brian Kelly, who announced in January he would be retiring and stepping down from the role after six years of service.
August 5, 2024
State report supports new, proposed oil regulations – Bakersfield Californian
A recent review of dozens of scientific studies, some conducted in California, provides new backing for the state’s latest and one of its most contentious oil-field regulations while also proposing additional health and safety measures opposed by the industry.
Highway 41 reopens with new Kings River Bridge completion – The Sentinel (Hanford, CA)
A project five years in the making that required the closure of a vital travel route for six months is officially complete.
California High-Speed Rail Design Gets First Public Test – Newsweek
California High-Speed Rail was showcased to the public this week as the rail authority opened its first-ever interactive exhibit at the California State Fair in Sacramento.
August 2, 2024
California hopes to build state workers’ artificial intelligence credentials through optional training that teaches staff how to use the rapidly evolving technology. The California Department of Human Resources unveiled a series of professional development courses for public employees this month following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s September executive order that instructed state agencies to brainstorm and develop a plan to “ethically and responsibly” deploy AI technology in government operations.
A new analysis by the California Department of Water Resources examined a range of climate change scenarios and projected that by 2043, the massive network of reservoirs and canals that supply more than half the state’s population could decline between 13% and 23%.
This week, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans kicked off the “Better Slow Than Sorry” campaign, which the Santa Barbara Police Department is supporting. The statewide public awareness effort urges drivers to slow down, follow posted speed limits, and drive responsibly.
July 2024 News Items
July 25, 2024
While California’s reservoirs are currently 116% of normal for this time of year, other signs of drought are quickly creeping in. The reason: July’s extreme heat.
After several years of rapid growth, state budgets are downsizing – Route Fifty
State budgets are expected to shrink substantially in fiscal year 2025 as the post-pandemic era of surging revenue, record spending and historic tax cuts comes to a close. According to new data released by the National Association of State Budget Officers, total general fund spending is expected to decline to $1.22 trillion, a more than 6% drop from estimated levels in fiscal 2024, which ended for most states on June 30. For starters, California’s 2025 budget closes an eye-popping $46.8 billion budget deficit in large part by cutting or delaying spending.
July 22, 2024
A new study has revealed that millions of Californians live near oil and gas wells — and these wells are in the path of potential wildfires. This has led to experts sounding the alarm about the worrying revelation, as data shows that millions of people could be in extreme peril if a wildfire heads to one of the wells soon.
Western state DOT projects win regional awards – Geosynthetics Magazine
Two Caltrans projects recently received top prizes in the 2024 America’s Transportation Awards competition for positively changing their communities.
U.S. High-Speed Rail Map Shows Proposed Routes – Newsweek
The U.S. High Speed Rail Association (USHSR) published a map outlining its proposal for a new 17,000-mile national high-speed rail network across the United States, which it claims will “cut our carbon footprint by epic proportions.” Under the plan, which the USHSR proposes to build in four stages, it would be possible to travel between Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; Miami, Florida; and Boston, Massachusetts, entirely on 220-mile-per-hour high-speed rail lines. The first stage includes the completion of the California High-Speed Rail, a line already under construction intended to run between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
July 18, 2024
California will have to build public charging stations at an unprecedented pace — and some experts say unrealistic — to meet the needs of the 7 million electric cars expected on its roads in less than seven years. The sheer scale of the buildout has alarmed many experts and lawmakers, who fear that the state won’t be prepared as Californians purchase more electric cars.
Judge temporarily blocks state order to growers who depleted groundwater – CalMatters
A Kings County judge granted a temporary restraining order against the State Water Resources Control Board’s unprecedented mandate. Growers there will not have to meter their groundwater use for now.
Officials from Caltrans and UC Merced recently held a ribbon cutting for a Central Valley overpass on Highway 99 featuring an artistic homage to massive beasts that roamed the area hundreds of thousands of years ago.
July 15, 2024
At the construction site of the new Otay Mesa East border crossing, scores of workers on the Mexican side have been busy working on the structures needed to connect traffic as part of the long-awaited project. On the U.S. side, the border crossing facility was supposed to be completed by the end of this year but has yet to even rise from the ground. The San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, which is the project’s sponsor along with Caltrans, said the setback has to do with pending agreements with the federal government on operation and maintenance roles and responsibilities.
World’s 1st hydrogen-fueled zero-emissions ferry unveiled in San Francisco – ABC 7 (San Francisco)
The world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered 100 percent by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells was unveiled Friday in San Francisco. MV Sea Change is a 70-foot catamaran ferry that fits 75 people. It will launch on July 19 and run for free for six months between the San Francisco Ferry Terminal and Pier 41. The state is requiring all short-distance ferries to be emissions-free by the end of 2025, according to the California Air Resources Board.
July 11, 2024
Though there are no signs that residential utility customers need to reduce their energy use, a lingering heat wave covering much of California has prompted the state’s grid operator to send an alert to power companies.
Plan to connect California’s 2 high-speed rail projects moves forward – KTLA 5 News
A plan to connect California’s two high-speed rail projects via a dedicated High Desert corridor is continuing to progress. The passage would link California’s High-Speed Rail and Brightline West’s line from Southern California to Las Vegas. The connection’s completion is crucial in California’s and the nation’s mission to create a high-speed rail network in the West.
Could this plan to preserve ‘The Palm and The Pine’ work? – KSEE via Yahoo News
Plans to widen Highway 99 in Madera County to create a six-lane highway will come at the expense of “The Palm and The Pine,” but Visit Yosemite has a proposal to preserve the historic tree-based landmark and make it more visible.
July 1, 2024
California has made significant progress helping small communities address problems of contaminated drinking water, but the costs of bringing safe tap water to hundreds of communities over the next five years will run more than $11.5 billion, according to a new state estimate.
California did not wait for the International Maritime Organization to tackle shipping’s sulfur and nitrogen emissions or the invasive species carried in vessels’ ballast water. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking further reductions in emissions, according to spokeswoman Lynda Lambert, through regulatory and voluntary measures to reduce emissions by oceangoing vessels in transit to California ports, rather than just within them.
The budget cobbled together by Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers has clear winners and losers. One area of spending where the impact is not yet clear: cuts to ongoing state operations