California ramping up flood mitigation efforts with green infrastructure

In the last several years, California has taken steps to “greenovate” their state by implementing green infrastructure programs to prepare for extreme weather events, like floods and wildfires. Among the most impressive is rehabilitating floodplains by moving levees back from rivers and planting greenery in the land between. This method controls flooding, rehabilitates the local flora and fauna, and recharges depleted aquifers. To start this process, farmlands that bordered the rivers were sold to state and federal agencies and were then converted into woodlands that sit below the levees. According to a New York Times article, the state of California is currently working on 20-30 different projects for watershed management in addition to the levee project. In 2016, California also allotted $80 million to the Urban Greening Program, which funds the building of non-motorized trails to encourage biking and walking and to discourage car usage.

California legislature awaits Governor’s signature to pass zero-carbon electricity commitment by 2045

Last week, the California state legislature passed SB100, a landmark bill committing California to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045. The bill, sponsored by state Senator Kevin de León (D.) who is currently running for the US Senate, builds upon California’s existing energy targets, which set a target for 50 percent renewable energy by 2030. The new bill sets a threefold target for electricity production: 50 percent renewables by 2026, 60 percent renewables by 2030, and 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2045. The bill only awaits a signature from Governor Jerry Brown (D.) for it to be adopted into law.