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The article discusses efforts to mitigate climate change through providing economic incentives for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as of May 29, 2014. Topics addressed include a California government initiative to provide economic incentives for companies to reduce emissions, problems with a cap and trade policy in the European Union (E.U.), as well as skepticism towards the effectiveness of emissions trading policies.

The article reports on the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. It highlights the president's plan to reverse the policies and regulations concerning climate change which is under the administration of former U.S. President Obama. Also emphasized is the fight of California for environmental protection and conservation being known as de facto negotiator with the environment worldwide.

The article reports that California's aim to lead the race to cut carbon emissions is prevented by the competing objective of shuttering nuclear plants that still produce over a fifth of its zero-carbon power. Topics discussed include California's decision to close two nuclear plants and its plan to shutter the last one, the state's aggressive deployment of wind turbines and solar panels, and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's rejection of the idea of climate change.

The article reports that U.S. President Donald Trump blamed the California wildfires on the state's environmental policies and inaccurately claimed that water that could be used to fight the fires was diverted into the Pacific Ocean.

The article discusses the role the growth-oriented policies of former California governor Edmund G. (Pat) Brown Sr. in contributing to the state of California's water usage and drought problems that his son, Jerry Brown, must address as governor of California in 2015. Topics addressed include contrasts between Brown and his father's approaches to the environment, natural resources, and economic growth, as well as Jerry Brown's political development beginning in the 1970s.

The article reports that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Stephen P. Johnson, ruled that California and 16 other states cannot set their own limits for carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles. The state's proposed standard was much stricter than that of current U.S. law. The states plan a legal challenge to Johnson's decision.

The article focuses on the social and economic impact of California's far-reaching pledge to curb carbon emissions by 2020. According to the author, the recent deal struck by Democratic legislators and Republican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has divided business and industries in the state. The author reviews how high-tech industries are supporting alternative energy development, while basic industries are warning the new policy will negatively impact California's economy.

Holly Elizabeth Ensign-Barstow, a daughter of Susan Ensign and James F. Barstow of Oakland, Calif., was married Saturday evening at her parents' weekend house in Boonville, Calif., to Samuel Twining Globus, the son of Dorothy Twining Globus and Stephen E. Globus of Manhattan. Jonathan Blatteis, a friend of the bride's family, who was temporarily named a deputy marriage commissioner by Alameda County, Calif., officiated. The bride, 27, is keeping her name. In May 2010 she received a master's in international affairs and environmental policy studies from Columbia. She graduated from Barnard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dump at the center of a birth defects controversy in Central California has been fined more than $300,000 for allowing cancer-causing chemicals to leach into the soil, the Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday. Chemical Waste Management was assessed a $302,100 fine over its landfill near Kettleman City after failing to clean up soil tainted with spilled PCBs, placing workers at a higher risk of exposure, the agency said. Nearby residents fear that the landfill was linked to a high rate of birth abnormalities, but state officials said last week that they could not pinpoint a cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A federal investigation has found that a hazardous waste facility at the center of a birth defects controversy improperly disposed of a chemical known to cause cancer and reproductive problems. The Environmental Protection Agency sent a ''notice of violation'' Thursday to Chemical Waste Management in Kettleman City. At issue is the facility's handling of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, a banned transformer fluid. Nearby residents have blamed the facility for at least 11 birth defects since 2007. Company officials have said there is no evidence linking the dump to the birth defects (AP) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

President Obama directed federal regulators on Monday to move swiftly on an application by California and 13 other states to set strict limits on greenhouse gases from cars and trucks. He also ordered the Transportation Department to begin drawing up rules imposing higher fuel-economy standards on cars and light trucks. The directives make good on an Obama campaign pledge and signal a sharp reversal of Bush administration policy. Moving quickly on tailpipe emissions and on mileage rules are emphatic actions Mr. Obama could take to quickly put his stamp on environmental policy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

President Obama will direct federal regulators on Monday to move swiftly on an application by California and 13 other states to set strict automobile emission and fuel efficiency standards, two administration officials said Sunday. The directive makes good on an Obama campaign pledge and signifies a sharp reversal of Bush administration policy. Granting California and the other states the right to regulate tailpipe emissions would be one of the most emphatic actions Mr. Obama could take to quickly put his stamp on environmental policy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents the author's comments on international diplomacy and leadership by example of Arnold Schwarznegger, the governor of California, on the environment protection issue. He had signed a law committing California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent through 2020. He has recently signed climate goal agreements with two provinces of Canada. According to the author, all these have made Schwarznegger the most popular governor.

Focuses on legislation in California to reduce green house gas emissions produced by the automotive industry. Profile of Democratic assemblywoman Fran Pavley and her efforts to support requirement of a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gasses by 2016; Lawsuit filed by automakers in an attempt to block the legislation; Support for the legislation from environmental groups in California and across the U.S.; Potential impact of the legislation on the progress of global warming.

Editorial. Comments on the global warming strategies and policies in California. Legislation passed by the California Legislature requiring manufacturers to start reducing carbon dioxide emissions; Regulatory and legislative review of other proposals; Problems with climate change and fuel economy.

Discusses the possibility that more American states will follow California's plan for sharp cuts in automotive emissions of global warming gases. Likely adoption of vehicles that are substantially cleaner and more fuel efficient; Intention of New Jersey, Rhode Island and Connecticut to start following California's car rules instead of Washington's; States that have adopted California's rules; Challenges facing automobile makers if some large markets insist on big cuts in global-warming gases.

Reports that the state of California plans to sue the Environmental Protection Agency over the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. Decision by the administration of U.S. president George W. Bush that the E.P.A. lacks the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions; Participation in the suit by other states, and by environmental groups like the Sierra Club, and the Natural Resources Defense Council; Controversy over the limits of the Clear Air Act; California's leadership status regarding environmental protection measures.

Reports that General Motors and DaimlerChrysler are dropping lawsuits against California over a landmark clean-air regulation that requires the production of millions of low-emission cars and trucks. How the move creates a temporary environmental truce between the auto industry and California; Background on the so-called ZEV mandate, which spurred development of hybrid vehicles; Implications of the dropping of the legal challenge for automakers; History of the challenge to the zero-emissions mandate.

Reports on a bill in California, which if signed by Governor Gray Davis, would require cuts in the tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases by cars and light trucks. Way that the law would be a major defeat for the auto industry and a victory for a coalition of environmental groups and leading national Democrats; Potential for affecting nationwide air policy.

Editorial. Focuses on the controversy surrounding the deal made by the United States government with Pacific Lumber Co. to protect the Headwaters Forest in Humboldt County in California. Background information; Details of deal; Criticism from environmental groups; Implications; Plans and expectations.

Says that California, which has long had the nation's toughest air-quality rules, is on the verge of approving an even stricter set of regulations intended to create a new generation of less-polluting fuels and vehicles, including electric cars.Details of the plan.

Reports that the economic and political realities of protecting the environment are being tested in California.

States that a coalition of environmental groups in California turned in 800,000 signatures, more than enough to place a voter-initiated referendum on the November ballot. The initiative would impose the most sweeping environmental controls in thecountry. Provisions of the initiative.

Explores the conservative initiative of environmentalists which will be voted on next Tuesday by California voters. The initiative would raise $710 million through a bond issue which the state would use to buy Headwaters Forest, the largest stand of ancient redwood trees that is not in a state or national park. The 3,000-acre tract is owned by Pacific Lumber Company which, in turn, is owned by Maxxam Inc., controlled by Charles Hurwitz, the Houston financier.