Focusing on Climate
California Climate DashboardDrought News & Resources
Weekly Drought Update
Latest News: June 2022 Urban Water Conservation Update (8-2-22)
For more, visit the State Water Board’s Drought Info & Updates webpage and the California Drought Action portal.
News & Updates
California Doubles Down to Combat Climate Crisis as Drought and Wildfire Intensify
Amid worsening drought and wildfires across the American West, Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling for bold action to move faster toward climate goals. In a letter to the California Air Resources Board, he called for quicker advancements in offshore wind, clean fuels, climate-friendly homes, carbon removal and addressing methane leaks. CalEPA also worked with other state agencies to launch a new California Climate Dashboard to track the state’s progress. Read the faster climate goals press release. (7/22/22)
California Petitions Federal Government to add Exide to Superfund List
The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) formally requested that the former Exide facility in Vernon, and surrounding communities, be added to U.S. EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL) also known as the Superfund. This would provide potentially millions of federal dollars for cleanup and expedite the remainder of the Exide cleanup. Read the DTSC news release. (7/1/22)
Statewide Emergency Water Conservation Regulation Now in Effect
A new statewide emergency water conservation regulation is now in effect. It bans using drinking water when watering decorative or non-functional grass at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. It also requires urban water suppliers to ramp up conservation actions under Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans. The State Water Board adopted the regulation on May 24 and it went into effect on June 10. The new restrictions are in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 28 Executive Order N-7-22 calling for water conservation directives to address California’s new normal of climate extremes. Read the press release and the Frequently Asked Questions. (6/14/22)
State Enlists Commercial, Industrial Sector in Water Conservation Efforts
As Californians continue efforts to reduce water use at homes and on farms, the Newsom Administration is enlisting the state’s commercial and industrial sector as a partner in immediate and long-term efforts to lessen demand for limited water supplies amid historic drought and a changing climate. A regulation set to take effect this month will drive a reduction in water use by halting irrigation of decorative or non-functional grass with potable water in commercial, industrial and institutional settings. Read the water conservation press release. (6/7/22)
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CalEPA Employment Information
The constituent boards, departments, and offices of the California Environmental Protection Agency do their own hiring under the civil service system of the State of California. They hire over 4,000 engineers, scientists, technicians, information specialists, attorneys, and support staff in locations throughout the state.
In addition to the links provided below, the state maintains a website with a searchable database of job openings for all state agencies and departments. It includes electronic applications that can be completed, stored and updated by individuals who create a free online account. Job seekers can also subscribe to receive email notifications when new openings are posted for positions of their choosing.
To learn more, visit CalCareers.
CalEPA Office of the Secretary
California Air Resources Board
Department of Pesticide Regulation (916) 322-4553
Department of Toxic Substances Control (916) 323-2678
Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) (916) 341-6000 (press 4)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (916) 445-9376
State Water Resources Control Board (916) 341-5127
Regional Water Quality Control Board (916) 341-5127
State employment opportunities are also available at CalHR Exams and Job Vacancies Search.
Environmental Mapping Tools and Data
CalEPA and its departments develop interactive online tools and databases to increase efficiency and transparency. Some of the tools are provided on the Environmental Mapping Tools and Data webpage, which includes a brief description and an explanation of the information conveyed. Some tools are used to help enforce environmental laws, while others are used to identify populations that are the most vulnerable to the effects of pollution to help focus resources. Still other tools help communicate environmental issues, as we work with stakeholders and others develop solutions together. California residents can use these tools to find out more about the environment near their homes, schools or workplaces. Business owners, school administrators, legislators, environmental regulators, and others may also find these tools useful as they search addresses, cities, counties and regions of the state.
To learn more, visit the Environmental Mapping Tools and Data webpage.