Tech billionaires’ plan to build eco-friendly city faces opposition in California

A company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires aims to create an eco-friendly city in Solano County, California, but faces local opposition over environmental concerns and land use.

Sachi Kitajima Mulkey reports for Grist.

In short:

California Forever, led by former Goldman Sachs trader Jan Sramek, plans to build a new city on 60,000 acres of farmland, promising solutions to housing and sustainability issues.
Despite spending millions to gain support, the plan was withdrawn after local opposition and a poll showing 70% voter disapproval.
Critics argue that developing existing communities is a better solution for housing and environmental issues than creating new cities.

Key quote:

“Building housing in existing communities is one of our best climate solutions, and paving over 17,000 acres of non-irrigated farmland is not.”

— Sadie Wilson, director of planning and research, Greenbelt Alliance

Why this matters:

Creating new cities from scratch raises questions about environmental sustainability and resource use. While such projects promise innovation, they often face hurdles in balancing development with ecological preservation and community needs.

grist.org

Tech billionaires’ plan to build eco-friendly city faces opposition in California

UN climate talks face growing backlash over corporate influence and stalled action

Climate scientist warns Earth is approaching tipping points that could reshape the planet

Extreme heat and wildfires surge across southern Europe as temperatures break records

Hotter heat waves are sticking around as the planet keeps warming

Rising seas may erase land, but not national identity, legal experts say

Old satellites vital to hurricane tracking will soon stop transmitting data

How the Trump administration plans to reshape U.S. energy labs around AI and nuclear

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.