News & Commentary

California Boreal & Tropical Forest Bill Secures a Major Win

April 29, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaJennifer Skene

California’s policymakers have sent a strong signal that the loss of intact boreal forests and threats to Indigenous rights are no longer an acceptable cost of doing business with the state.

The Bay-Delta Salmon Crisis That Didn’t Have to Be

April 20, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaKate Poole

Enough with playing politics with the heart of California’s freshwater system. It is well past time for both the state and federal governments to update standards for salmon management in the Bay-Delta.

Canadian Trade Group Opposes U.S. Anti-Deforestation Bills

April 20, 2021 Expert BlogCanada, New York, CaliforniaAnthony Swift

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) claims that applying proposed anti-deforestation legislation in California and New York to the boreal forest would threaten its business model.

Killing Most Endangered Salmon Is How the Trump BiOps "Work"

April 19, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

While this year is shaping up to be a catastrophe for salmon in California, it is not a surprise—it was anticipated and, shockingly, authorized under the Trump Administration’s final permits (known as biological opinions, or "BiOps" for short).

CA and Feds Still Plan to Drain Reservoirs & Kill Salmon

March 29, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

The State and Feds must act now to increase reservoir storage and take other actions to reduce water temperatures that kill salmon and steelhead.

Proposed Settlement Aims to Clean Up Mercury in the Penobscot River Estuary

March 19, 2021 Expert BlogMaineNancy Marks

After two decades of litigation, a proposed consent decree from Maine People’s Alliance, NRDC, and Mallinckrodt US LLC could accelerate the recovery of Maine’s largest river.

Governor Newsom Looking toward Recovery, Guided by Science

March 18, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaVictoria Rome

The fight against the climate crisis continues and California legislators are approaching the battle in new ways, with new coalitions. Here are some key environmental bills to watch.

MT Rehashes Old Wildlife Debates Instead of Looking Forward

March 17, 2021 Expert BlogMontanaDr. Jennifer Sherry

Montana's leaders demonstrate disregard for ethics, modern hunting principles, and professional input on wildlife management.

California Proposes to Transition Away from Toxic Pesticides

March 9, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaAllison Johnson

California's proposal to update pesticide fees could offer better protections for farm workers, agricultural communities, and vulnerable ecosystems, as well as help farmers adopt more sustainable practices.

Bad News: CVP and SWP Plan to Drain CA’s Largest Reservoirs

March 1, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

This would kill most or nearly all the endangered winter-run Chinook salmon this year and threaten the state’s resilience to continued dry conditions.

Fracking Banned in the Delaware River Basin!

February 25, 2021 Expert BlogNew York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, DelawareMarisa Guerrero, Kimberly Ong

The historic vote, made today by the Delaware River Basin Commission, signals a strong stance in favor of a fossil fuel–free future.

Tejon Ranch Co. Sued for Breach of Conservation Agreement

December 2, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaJoel Reynolds

Although the litigation has been filed only as a last resort, there is no question of its necessity.

CA Rules to Save Bees From Spooky Pesticides Need More Work

October 27, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaDaniel Raichel

As other nations act (and the Trump administration dithers) on restrictions to protect bees, birds, fish, and water supplies from neurotoxic neonicotinoid insecticides (AKA, “neonics”), California once again finds itself in the position of trailblazer.

Nature Thrives with Diversity; California's Food Systems Can, Too

October 22, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaArohi Sharma

Our decisionmakers need to think long-term and tie economic recovery with support for our small- and mid-sized farmers, our essential workers, and climate-smart agriculture programs.

Court Invalidates Pendley-Approved Resource Management Plans

October 20, 2020 Expert BlogMontanaAlison Kelly

A federal judge in Montana has set aside three resource management plans proposed by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management.

Local Leaders Are Failing to Protect L.A.’s Water

October 20, 2020 Expert BlogLos AngelesCorinne Bell

Every day, an estimated 100 million gallons of runoff contaminated with various pollutants flows through L.A.’s massive storm drain system to foul our rivers, creeks and, ultimately, our coastal waters.

Grizzly Bear Advisory Council Report Helps Chart Path Toward Recovery

October 15, 2020 Expert BlogMontanaZack Strong

Here is a summary of some of the report’s many forward-looking provisions.

Grizzly Bear Advisory Council Report Makes Strong Case Against Hunting

October 15, 2020 Expert BlogMontanaZack Strong

Its suggestions, if enacted, would meaningfully advance grizzly recovery in the state

The Fight for Access to Nature in Central Orange County

October 6, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaDamon Nagami

Willowick is the last remaining large piece of public open space in central Orange County.

Raising Shasta Dam Is an Even Worse Idea Than We Knew

October 5, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

The Trump Administration’s efforts to enlarge Shasta Dam was always a bad idea. In addition to being illegal under California law, it’s been clear for years that raising the height of the dam would destroy Native American sacred sites, harm…