Microplastics in California’s agricultural soils could be hurting crop production, or worse
Brad Hooker, ArgriPulse
Microplastics are polluting waterways and soils in California and the Legislature is considering actions to curb this trend.
Legislative Update: Transit Boards, High-Speed Rail, New Agencies
Continuing our very early look at upcoming California bills
Melanie Curry
It is still early to know what will happen with many of the bills being floated by legislators this year, especially in the context of last year’s major disruption of the session and its ongoing effects. But they do give an idea what is on their minds. Among them are some bills aiming at changing governance structures at transit agencies.
Transit Boards
Assembly Committee Holds Hearing on Microplastic Pollution in Water, Environment
SACRAMENTO – The Assembly Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee, chaired by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), hosted a hearing on microplastics titled “Microplastics in our Water and Environment: Understanding a Growing Pollution Source.” This informational hearing brought together scientists from California, Canada and Europe, who shared their latest research on microplasti
Does this Make Sense? Gasoline Delivered to Your Car
"Gas trucks fill your vehicle where it is parked"
Anne C. Mulkern, E&E News / Scientific American
Some California drivers no longer go to the gas station—and it’s not because they drive electric cars.
Gasoline increasingly is being delivered into the fuel tanks of cars while their owners work or as they spend time at home.
It’s a trend in Silicon Valley, where technology companies offer fuss-free fill-ups to employees as a perk.
No more urine tests: Proposed California law would end most workplace marijuana tests
Andrew Sheeler
California adults can smoke marijuana without fear of going to jail, but using it after hours can still have consequences at work.
A new bill in the Legislature aims to end a still common employment practice five years after Californians voted to legalize recreational cannabis in which private companies require can workers to test for marijuana use.
Letters to the Editor: Hydrogen power is the path forward
Regarding “California must invest in hydrogen infrastructure to meet zero-emission goals” (SFChronicle.com, Feb. 26): Bravo to Assembly Members Autumn Burk and Bill Quirk for making the case for increased support for hydrogen power.
California must invest in hydrogen infrastructure to meet zero-emission goals
Assemblymember Bill Quirk, Assemblymember Autumn Burke: San Francisco Chronicle
Last year Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order declaring that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in this state be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.
AB 545 Requests UC Regents Review of Tax Expenditures
Assessment looks at total loss to the General Fund as a result of tax expenditures allowed to taxpayers
California Globe, Chris Micheli
On February 10, Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) introduced Assembly Bill 545 to have the University of California conduct research on California’s tax expenditures.
Here’s What California Lawmakers Want To Do To Take Action On Climate Change
Ezra David Romero, CapRadio
Wildfires and smoke have ravaged large parts of California, sea level rise is threatening the golden coast’s viability and drought is looming in the future.
“We're in a race against the clock when it comes to climate change,” said state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco. “This is not a problem that we can take our time and solve little step by little step.