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California Must Hold the Line to Protect Wetlands from a Devastating Supreme Court Decision

California is many things: it is the land of massive cities and sprawling highways but also home to some of the most pristine wilderness that still exists in the contiguous United States. From Joshua trees to giant Redwoods to the Bolsa Chica wetlands, California is rich in our remaining wilderness. Protecting it is important for our economy, for our quality of life and our climate future.

The Supreme Court slashed wetland protections. California is trying to fill the gap.

SACRAMENTO, California — California officials are trying to boost state wetlands protections in order to guard against a 2023 Supreme Court decision that slashed federal oversight of wetlands.

Assemblymember Laura Friedman’s A.B. 2875 would declare it the state’s policy to ensure long-term gain and no net loss of California’s wetlands. And Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is proposing to add 38 new positions to enforce the state’s existing wetlands protection laws and scrutinize development permits.

California introduces bill to reevaluate rooftop solar net metering

California Assemblymember Laura Friedman has introduced AB 2256, which would require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to fully consider the costs and benefits of rooftop solar when revisiting its net energy metering (NEM) tariff.

The bill would require CPUC to consider the total benefits of rooftop solar, including improved local air and water quality, avoided land use impacts, and any associated system cost benefits.

A lawmaker wants to reintroduce this apex predator in California

One of nature’s most powerful and elusive predators would be reintroduced into the wild in California under a new bill filed in the State Assembly.

For centuries before western settlers arrived – and before the Marvel Cinematic Universe – wolverines were a critical part of California’s ecosystem. Today, they are extremely rare.

A lawmaker wants to reintroduce this apex predator in California

One of nature’s most powerful and elusive predators would be reintroduced into the wild in California under a new bill filed in the State Assembly.

For centuries before western settlers arrived – and before the Marvel Cinematic Universe – wolverines were a critical part of California’s ecosystem. Today, they are extremely rare.