California bans single-use plastic bags from groceries and convenience stores

With the stroke of a pen, California Governor Jerry Brown today signed legislation that will ban single-use plastic bags from pharmacies, grocery, convenience, and liquor stores. The landmark legislation, SB-270, had been approved weeks earlier by the state legislature after much debate and needed only the Governor's signature to become law. The bill makes California the only state in the nation to have a state-wide ban on such bags and complements existing ordinances across the state that have already been implemented by some local governments.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/california-bans-single-use-plastic-bags-from-groceries-and-convenience-stores

Governor Brown orders streamlined relief for families stricken by drought

In response to severe water shortages resulting from California's historic drought, Governor Jerry Brown announced today that he has ordered streamlined efforts to assist residents facing water shortages. Executive Order B-26-14 takes effect immediately and will help to provide much needed water for drinking and sanitation purposes to communities whose wells or water supplies have dangerously diminished and/or dried up completely.

Read more below:


http://www.examiner.com/article/governor-brown-orders-streamlined-relief-for-families-stricken-by-drought

ARB fines 29 consumer products companies $406,625 for air pollution violations

The California Air Resources Board today announced fines totaling $406,625 were levied against 29 different companies who manufactured or sold certain consumer products. All of the settlements were for less than $100,000 each and were finalized during the first half of 2014.

Read more below:


http://www.examiner.com/article/arb-fines-29-consumer-products-companies-406-625-for-air-pollution-violations

Governor Brown signs historic water bills despite San Joaquin Valley opposition

 Governor Jerry Brown today signed historic legislation that will lead to more stringent control of groundwater management across the state. The move was seen by many as long overdue, especially in the face of California's drought, and means that the state will no longer be the only Western state that does not manage its groundwater in a consistent manner.

Read more below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/governor-brown-signs-historic-water-bills-despite-san-joaquin-valley-opposition

APCD seeking student artwork for 2015 Healthy Air Living Calendar

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD) recently announced that it is seeking student artwork for its 2015 Healthy Air Living Kid's Calendar. The annual calendar features original artwork from Valley students attending kindergarten through high school.

Get details below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/apcd-seeking-student-artwork-for-2015-healthy-air-living-calendar

ARB fines another aftermarket racing parts company for illegal sales

 California's Air Resources Board (ARB) announced today that it has fined Autosales Inc. $599,000 for selling illegal aftermarket performance parts and catalytic converters for vehicles in the state. Read more below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/arb-fines-another-aftermarket-racing-parts-company-for-illegal-sales

Truck performance tuning firm fined $1 million by ARB for selling illegal parts

One of the leaders in the high performance diesel and racing industry has run afoul of California's air pollution laws. As a result, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced today that it has fined H&S Performance LLC $1 million for selling illegal aftermarket parts in California in violation of the California Health and Safety Code. Read more below:


http://www.examiner.com/article/truck-performance-tuning-firm-fined-1-million-by-arb-for-selling-illegal-parts

Sierra Club loses one in its lawsuit against Kern River Valley Specific Plan

 After three years, the Sierra Club's lawsuit against Kern County's adoption of new planning guidelines for the Kern River Valley appears to have been denied by a Superior Court Judge. Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/sierra-club-loses-one-its-lawsuit-against-kern-river-valley-specific-plan

California Governor Brown signs climate change trade agreement with Japan

Read more about this agreement at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/california-governor-brown-signs-climate-change-trade-agreement-with-japan

EPA fines Costco $335,000 for leaks, orders $2 million in system improvements

 Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-fines-costco-335-000-for-leaks-orders-2-million-system-improvements