CalEPA Spotlight

CalEPA funds local, grassroots efforts to fight pollution from the ground up

Turning Bay Area youth into climate change evangelists. Training refugees and immigrants working at nail salons how to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals. Helping Black expectant mothers and their health workers in Fresno understand how reducing air pollution can improve prenatal care. These are just three of 28 projects CalEPA is supporting this year through its 2020 Environmental Justice Small Grants program. Read the press release and explore the complete list of recipients.

News & Updates 

New Report Lays Groundwork for Safer, More-sustainable Alternatives to Banned Pesticide Chlorpyrifos

A report identifies alternatives for California growers to the banned pesticide chlorpyrifos and calls for continued work towards safer, more sustainable pest management practices. Following California’s historic decision to end use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos in 2019, a work group was convened to evaluate potential alternatives. This is the groups report. Read the press release. (en español)  (7/16/20)

California Joins 14 States and District of Columbia to Accelerate Bus and Truck Electrification

“Our efforts in California will be magnified through the efforts of this multi-state coalition to reduce emissions and improve air quality, especially crucial in communities where our most vulnerable citizens live,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “By working together, we can move toward a cleaner future.” Read the press release. (7/14/20)

California Takes Bold Step to Reduce Truck Pollution

The California Air Resources Board adopted a first-in-the-world rule requiring truck manufacturers to transition from diesel trucks and vans to electric, zero-emission trucks beginning in 2024. By 2045, every new truck sold in California will be zero-emission. Read the press release. (en español) (6/25/20)

California and 22 other states take Trump Administration to court over vehicle emissions rollback

Today, California joined 22 other states and several other jurisdictions to challenge the Trump Administration’s plan to roll back vehicle emissions standards. Since these emission rules were enacted, they have reduced air pollution and protected the air our children breathe. Read the press release. (5/27/20)

CalEPA Urges U.S. EPA to Abandon Proposed “Dangerous and Unworkable” Science Standard

CalEPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld today issued a statement on the agency’s comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding its proposed rulemaking: “Strengthening Transparency in Science.” See the statement. (5/21/20)

California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation Issues Pesticide Enforcement Guidance Amid COVID-19 Pandemic 

The Department of Pesticide Regulation issued guidance today to local county agricultural commissioners on expectations around the enforcement of pesticide regulations near schools and homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the press release (en español) (5/7/20)

CalEPA Issues Statement on Compliance with Regulatory Requirements During the COVID-19 Emergency

CalEPA will continue to respond, investigate, and – when necessary – take action on complaints related to environmental non-compliance. See full statement. (4/15/20)

Governor Issues Water Shutoff Order and Takes Steps to Maintain Delivery of Critical Water Services During COVID-19 Crisis

Building on efforts to provide support for residents during the statewide State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Newsom today suspended public water systems’ ability to disconnect water service to residences and critical infrastructure sector small businesses. Read the press release. (en español) (4/2/20)