RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications.
350,000 Californians are now on the FAIR Plan, the last resort for fire insurance. Now what? – Capital Public Radio
The FAIR Plan, a last resort insurance for those who cannot receive fire coverage, continues to be overwhelmed, causing delays and policy lapses. The Department of Insurance seeks solutions, but legislative efforts stalled. Despite improvements, concerns about solvency and rising premiums persist, impacting individuals and local institutions.
California ranks high worldwide for rapidly depleted groundwater – Cal Matters
California grapples with a serious groundwater crisis, with some areas like Cuyama Valley, San Joaquin Valley, and San Diego ranking among the world's fastest-declining aquifers. Despite the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act targeting over-pumping, wells are still drying up. This global issue is marked by conflicts over water, emphasizing the urgency for effective interventions. Successful measures are crucial to tackle groundwater decline, especially for global food systems heavily dependent on irrigation.
Why are so many EV charging stations broken in California? – Los Angeles Times
California faces growing concerns about its unreliable public EV charging system, hampering widespread adoption. Despite the state's substantial $1 billion investment in charger subsidies, there are no penalties for low reliability. Major charger providers, including ChargePoint, Electrify America, and Blink, experience downtime 20-30% of the time. The issue is compounded by scattered oversight and the absence of penalties. Inadequate data and unclear charger counts further worsen the situation. As California targets 250,000 chargers by 2025, stakeholders advocate for improved accountability, performance standards, and stronger enforcement to align with ambitious climate goals.