Environment and Energy

Winter electricity usage typically increases as temperatures drop and holiday decorations go up. PG&E has tips for conserving electricity and reducing the chance of starting a fire.

A recent study suggests persistent low-to-no-snow winters could become a reality in the next 35 to 60 years.

The city was designated by the Carbon Disclosure Project as one of 95 cities across the globe to be a leader in environmental action and transparency.

Months after the California Coastal Commission voted to phase out off-highway vehicle access at Oceano Dunes, the issue remains a hot topic.

By September 2021, more than 142,000 people had been documented in the Preserve this year. More than 200,000 are expected by the end of the year.

Researchers on the Central Coast are developing the next generation of products for the Blue Economy.

Come January 1, 2022, when Paso Robles residents and businesses roll out their three waste container bins, food waste from the trash bin must now go into the green waste container instead.

Use of closed trails and off-trail open space can contribute to erosion and damage vegetation.

Every week, a waste collector comes to pick up your recyclables in the blue bin — but Shad Springer with Santa Maria Public Works says people aren’t always getting it right on what can be recycled.

In an effort to help lower Santa Barbara County’s carbon footprint, residents and workers there can now loan an electric bike without charge this month through the EZ Bike project.