California steps up pollution controls, bans with legislation

California is tightening pollution controls while navigating ongoing debates and transitional challenges. A new statewide ban on plastic bags by 2026 and a program for green tech careers for youth are central efforts shared by these diverse articles. Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to restart the crafting of single-use plastics rules, aiming for a fair and cost-effective implementation, underscores the complexity of these environmental measures. In contrast, the state's legislative actions on plastic bags signal a decisive step forward in addressing the global plastic crisis.

Meanwhile, initiatives like Green Tech's focus on training youth in clean technology reflect California's commitment to fostering job opportunities in the green economy. Through these discussions, California seeks to balance ecological goals with economic and social considerations.

Pump jacks are seen at dawn in an oil field over the Monterey Shale formation near Lost Hills, California. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law that allows cities, counties, and local voters to block construction of new oil and gas wells in their communities. (David McNew/Getty Images/TNS)

NO. 1: CALIFORNIA CAN DO MORE TO ENSURE A JUST ENERGY TRANSITION, CLIMATE ACTIVIST SAYS

One Democratic lawmaker took heat for saying the transition is happening on “the backs of poor people.” | Published June 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nicole Nixon

Terry Jackson, right, is taking classes with Sacramento nonprofit Green Tech, and he said that he discovered an intriguing opportunity for entrepreneurship with electric vehicle charging stations.

NO. 2: HERE’S HOW 25 BLACK, LATINO YOUTH IN SACRAMENTO CAN GAIN AN EDGE IN THE GREEN TECH SECTOR

The NBA Foundation contributed grant money to the program for Black and Latino youth in Sacramento. | Published September 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Cathie Anderson

Water pools on the surface of Brian and Elena Corral’s farm in Dunnigan as part of a groundwater recharging effort on March 24, 2023, during a visit by Gov. Gavin Newsom. By Paul Kitagaki Jr.

NO. 3: YOLO COUNTY NONPROFIT TEACHES YOUTH, FARMERS TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE IN COMMUNITY

The project is one of the eight recipients of the Yolo County Community Climate Action Fund | Published July 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Olivia Cyrus

Sturdy plastic bags like these ones are allowed under California’s bag ban, though Attorney General Rob Bonta is investigating whether they meet the requirement that they also be recyclable.

NO. 4: CALIFORNIA GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM SIGNS LAW BANNING GROCERY STORES FROM OFFERING PLASTIC BAGS

The ban goes into effect in 2026 | Published September 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Andrew Sheeler

Firefighters battle the Franklin Fire on Dec. 10, 2024, next to a business along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. By Wally Skalij

NO. 5: THE CLIMATE CRISES IN LOS ANGELES AND THE AMAZON RAINFOREST ARE INEXTRICABLY LINKED | OPINION

“As deforestation increases in the Amazon, it will decrease precipitation in California and create drier conditions in Southern California.” | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Leila Salazar-Lopez

Close up of debris (fish netting, single-use plastics, tires, treated wood with rusty metal) picked up along the Purdy Spit during a recent volunteer beach cleanup on World Ocean Day. By Mandi Thorne

NO. 6: GAVIN NEWSOM DIRECTS RECYCLING REGULATORS TO START OVER ON SINGLE-USE PLASTICS RULES

CalRecycle is crafting rules for a 2022 law to phase out single-use plastic packaging. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nicole Nixon

Lake Tahoe is seen on the north shore near Incline Village, Nev., in 2013. More than 1,000 residents in California and Nevada are being asked to evacuate for a drill on May 19. By Lezlie Sterling

NO. 7: TRUMP AND NEWSOM ARE ON THE SAME PAGE ABOUT LOGGING. THAT’S NOT A GOOD THING | OPINION

“Forest management should be science-based, not profit-based, with the net result of keeping carbon in the forests and reducing climate change.” | Published May 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by The Sacramento Bee letter writers

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.