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.

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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.

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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