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Ethan Elkind

@ethanelkind.bsky.social
1.1K followers 234 following 570 posts

Director of the Climate Program at Berkeley Law CLEE, author of Railtown (book on history of LA Metro Rail), and host of KALW’s State of the Bay.

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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Justin Gerdes @justingerdes.bsky.social · 11h
Before replacing gas service lines, utilities will need to offer customers a financial incentive to electrify instead, thanks to a new California law. Other states are looking to emulate California with bills of their own: www.canarymedia.com/articles/ele... by @alisontakemura.bsky.social 🔌💡
canarymedia.com
A new gas line or cash to electrify? California lets households…
Before replacing gas service lines, utilities will need to offer customers a financial incentive to electrify instead, thanks to a new law.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
@rivianofficial.bsky.social CEO RJ Scaringe calls out legacy automakers for putting out mediocre EVs and then blaming consumers for not buying them: chargedevs.com/newswire/riv...
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Anthony Edwards @edwardsanthonyb.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Another day, another monthly tide record in San Francisco. Even more shocking, the highest tides of the month aren't predicted until Oct. 27 and 28, a half foot higher than today. November, December and January king tides will be in another league. More: www.sfchronicle.com/weather/arti...
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Matt Novak @paleofuture.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
I love taking the train between San Diego and Los Angeles since it's such a gorgeous view but there's just no way it'll still exist on the same track a generation from now. www.instagram.com/reels/DeSCAh...
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Saturday AM update: Tropical Storm Rachel, despite fairly hostile ambient atmosphere, is indeed strengthening slightly as predicted over record-warm ocean temps & aided by upper-level ventilation from incoming mid-lat trough. Pacific Coast/US SW impacts becoming clearer. [Thread]
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
John Voelcker @johnvoelcker.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Analysts + others who follow the evolution of the #robotaxi world have long known #Waymo leads #Tesla in self-driving capabilities. It's always good to have that appear, attributed to a company like Nvidia, in a mainstream outlet. For those who don't otherwise follow.
bnd.com
NVIDIA exec says one company has the edge on self-driving cars
A key executive in the autonomous driving space said he gives Waymo the lead over Tesla in the self-driving software journey.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Justin Gerdes @justingerdes.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
"Shipments of heat pumps stayed strong in the first half of 2026, and the tech is on track to match or exceed its best year, according to a recent report from @buildingdecarb.org." www.canarymedia.com/articles/hea... via @ysabellekempe.bsky.social 🔌💡
canarymedia.com
Heat pumps have so far withstood the death of federal tax credits
Demand for the climate-friendly HVAC tech has persisted even after Republicans killed incentives, with 2026 set to be another good year for the sector.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
That's an argument for further legislative fixes to CEQA, as opposed to a wholesale ballot-box undoing of the law's application to some of the most environmentally destructive projects in the state.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Politico @politico.com · 07/10/2026
Clean energy group sets its sights on a new GOP target: Lauren Boebert politi.co/4ibRoUj
politico.com
Clean energy group sets its sights on a new GOP target: Lauren Boebert politi.co/4ibRoUj
Clean energy group sets its sights on a new GOP target: Lauren Boebert politi.co/4ibRoUj
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
UC Berkeley Law @ucberkeleylaw.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
"Prop 45 would dramatically scale back the scope & timeline of environmental review for what its backers have called essential projects," says @ethanelkind.bsky.social, Climate Program Director, to @kqednews.kqed.org Listen: bit.ly/47CxNYi #BerkeleyLaw
kqed.org
Prop. 45: Will California Vote to Trade Environmental Regulation for Quicker Housing Development? | KQED
We’ll look at how changes could impact housing, data centers and more.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Should Californians vote to scale back #CEQA via #Prop45? I'll be on @kqedforum.bsky.social today at 10am PT to discuss, along with @cafedujord.bsky.social and @jason-elliott.bsky.social. Tune in on KQED or stream live here: www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
kqed.org
Prop. 45: Will California Vote to Trade Environmental Regulation for Quicker Housing Development? | KQED
We’ll look at how changes could impact housing, data centers and more.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
A New Crop of Solar Panels Is the U.S.’s Best Hope of Catching China www.nytimes.com/2026/10/05/b...
nytimes.com
US Solar Panel Makers Try to Catch China With a Big Leap in Technology
Manufacturers say they are close to perfecting a new, more efficient solar panel that could help the United States reclaim ground it lost.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Justin Gerdes @justingerdes.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
"In a record-setting commercial truck deal, international shipping giant FedEx has placed an order for 2,000 all-electric box trucks from American startup Harbinger in a deal that’s reportedly worth more than $300 million – but the ROI could be much higher." electrek.co/2026/10/03/f... via Jo Borrás
electrek.co
FedEx believes $300M electric truck spend will save them $800M in diesel
In a record-setting commercial truck deal, international shipping giant FedEx has placed an order for 2,000 all-electric box trucks from...
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Helpful write-up here of the oral argument this morning in the climate lawsuit preemption case at the US Supreme Court.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
First take out of arguments: A rough morning for Suncor. Tough to find five votes to get past the jurisdictional questions. Even if they do, the constitutional arguments did not have support. That leaves the Clean Air Act preemption argument, under which (at least) some claims are likely to survive.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
A moment made for the Tesla electric semi, if the company had prioritized getting it deployed at scale sooner: truckers paying $1000 for a diesel fill up www.nytimes.com/2026/10/02/u...
nytimes.com
Truckers Are ‘Just Trying to Hang On’ When a Fill-Up Tops $1,000
Truckers are among the hardest hit by the soaring cost of diesel fuel. High prices are forcing some to stay on the road for months and others to park their rigs.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Californians for Electric Rail @calelectricrail.org · 30/09/2026
Frustrated with the slow progress on CAHSR? Apparently the California legislature isn't, given all bills to speed up progress died this year. Why isn't California's signature infrastructure project a priority? calmatters.org/politics/202...
calmatters.org
California’s high-speed rail authority made a legislative wishlist. It mostly stalled out
California’s bullet train agency said timely construction of the rail line depended on these reforms. They mostly failed.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Sahil Kapur @sahilkapur.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A phenomenal moment in the Senate. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., claims he has evidence Jack Smith went to a HAWKS game in Atlanta. Smith denies it. Schmitt declares he has busted Jack Smith for perjury. Smith, vexed, says he went to HAWKEYES game in Maryland. WATCH IN FULL, UNINTERRUPTED
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stateofthebay.bsky.social @stateofthebay.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Tonight at 6 on 91.7fm and kalw.org: @ethanelkind.bsky.social hosts a debate on the future of public transportation around the Bay. Have you decided how to vote for Props H and RTM? Tune in and decide for yourself. Also, a preview of all the events around the upcoming Black Art Week.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Legal Planet @legal-planet.org · 28/09/2026
The Trump administration unveiled new CAFE standards that actually make cars LESS fuel efficient, defy Congressional intent, and increase air and climate pollution. @uclalawemmett.bsky.social legal-planet.org/2026/09/28/w...
legal-planet.org
Who Cares About Affordability and Gas Prices? Not DOT - Legal Planet
The Trump administration's new CAFE standards actually make cars LESS fuel efficient, defy Congressional intent, and increase pollution.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
We're hosting a debate tonight on the Bay Area's transit tax measures (Props RTM & H) on @stateofthebay.bsky.social. Hear from Alicia John-Baptiste, Debora Allen, Marie Hurabiell @csfinstitute.bsky.social & Sebastian Petty. Stream live 6pm PT @kalwradio.bsky.social! www.kalw.org/2026-09-28/t...
kalw.org
Transit Taxes on the November Ballot / Black Art Week
We hear arguments for and against Proposition RTM and Proposition H and get a preview of Black Art Week
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
UCLA Emmett Institute @uclalawemmett.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The U.S. Department of Transportation just issued new fuel economy standards. When first proposed, our resident fuel economy expert Ann Carlson described the standards as ‘audaciously, aggressively awful.” The final standards are too, she explains. A thread ⬇️
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Nolan Hicks @ndhapple.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“USDOT said the ​regulation will reduce manufacturers' average cost per vehicle to comply by $1,289 but increase fuel costs by more than $1,600 over the ​life of the vehicles.” 🤌🤌🤌 www.reuters.com/business/aut...
reuters.com
US finalizes new lower fuel economy standards in boost for gas-powered vehicles
The U.S. Transportation Department on Monday finalized sharply lower vehicle fuel economy standards, President Donald Trump's latest effort to encourage ‌sales of gasoline-powered vehicles and reverse...
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
stateofthebay.bsky.social @stateofthebay.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Confused about how to vote on the 2 transportation propositions on the November ballot? Hear both sides and decide for yourself - tomorrow night at 6pm at 91.7KALW and kalw.org.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This is quietly a potential game changer for the American electric semi industry and could help the US stay somewhat competitive with China in the near term.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 19/09/2026
Newsom rejects effort to roll back CEQA exemptions for advanced manufacturing
latimes.com
Newsom rejects effort to roll back CEQA exemptions for advanced manufacturing
Senate Bill 954 would have rolled back parts of last year's controversial overhaul of CEQA that allowed for advanced manufacturing facilities to be sited in communities without environmental review.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
What is ecological amnesia & why is overcoming it crucial to fight climate change & environmental ruin? We discuss on Your Call w/author & journalist @jasondovemark.bsky.social on his new book "The Earth Said Remember Me." Stream live 10am PT @kalwradio.bsky.social! www.kalw.org/show/your-ca...
kalw.org
‘The Earth Said Remember Me’ exposes the danger of ecological amnesia
In his book, environmental journalist Jason Dove Mark says that as the climate emergency worsens and we adapt to this new normal, we are sleepwalking towards disaster.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Class 8 electric semis are having a moment with diesel prices so high and the launch of the Tesla semi (half the price & twice the range of competitor e-trucks). This will help California and ultimately the US catch up to Europe and China.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
What is the Trump administration planning to do to undermine the 2026 midterms, and how are advocates responding? We discuss on Your Call today w/ @davedaley.bsky.social & @ariberman.bsky.social Add your q's here & stream live 10am PT @kalwradio.bsky.social! www.kalw.org/show/your-ca...
kalw.org
The Authoritarian Playbook: Trump’s attacks on the 2026 midterms
On Monday, the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s restrictions on voting by mail, which could have disenfranchised millions of voters in the midterms. Now what?
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Jordan Grimes @cafedujord.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Bad news for lovers of exurban sprawl, freeway expansions, and data centers! Support for Proposition 45, which would streamline those things, has cratered in the last two months -- going from 73% in July to just 49% today. Opposition has also jumped from 24% to 46%. www.ppic.org/publication/...
ppic.org
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government
Key findings of the PPIC Statewide Survey include: Democrat Xavier Becerra maintains a wide lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the governor’s race. Likely voters are somewhat divided on a billionair...
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Yes, we don't have coal-fired power plants and otherwise account for (and penalize) carbon emissions from the power sector through our cap-and-invest program. Furthermore, we're phasing out all fossil fuels in our electricity system by 2045.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This rollback on power plant emission limits won't affect California directly, but if upheld by the courts would set back our efforts to decarbonize highly polluting plants around the country.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Would Prop 45 (to roll back CEQA protections for sprawl, dams and freeways in California) cover data centers, too? Bottom line - it's unclear. My @ucberkeleylaw.bsky.social colleague Eric Biber discusses the arguments on both sides: legal-planet.org/2026/09/10/m...
legal-planet.org
More on BACA and data centers - Legal Planet
A key issue in the debate over the Cal Chamber of Commerce CEQA initiative (BACA, or Proposition 45 on the ballot) is whether it includes data centers as the types of projects that are eligible for th...
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
How will the predicted "Super El Nino" affect California and beyond? We discuss on Your Call today at 10am PT w/@marc-alessi.bsky.social @ucs.org & @edwardsanthonyb.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com Comment here w/any q's for our guests. Stream live @kalwradio.bsky.social: www.kalw.org/show/your-ca...
kalw.org
How will the predicted “super” El Niño impact California and beyond?
According to NOAA, a “Super” El Niño now has a 95% chance of developing this year, which scientists warn could be one of the largest weather events in living memory.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
As Trump demands the Smithsonian rewrites US history, how are historians & advocates responding? Join us on Your Call w/Dr. Kim Sajet, fmr Dir. of Natn'l Portrait Gallery & Marc Stein, US history prof., SF State Stream live 10am PT @kalwradio.bsky.social! www.kalw.org/show/your-ca...
kalw.org
The Authoritarian Playbook: Trump’s attacks on the Smithsonian
Yesterday, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III announced plans to step down as the Trump administration escalates its attempts to censor and rewrite US history.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
For anyone in New York City for Climate Week, I'll be speaking at this Mexico energy transition roundtable on Wednesday 9/23 at 3:30pm ET, sponsored by @nrdc.org, @cleeberkeley.bsky.social, ICM & Robertson Fdn. Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
This tells me the lawsuit was based on other causes of action besides CEQA, and that it came after long delays under city processes unrelated to the law. I’m not saying CEQA isn’t a factor here, but deleting CEQA doesn’t change the underlying problems facing development proposals like this one.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
This lawsuit doesn’t appear to be based on CEQA, or at least they seem to be invoking other causes of action such as violating municipal codes - but I can’t tell from the write up.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
This lawsuit was filed by NIMBYs over the downtown plan, citing concerns over evacuation during a wildfire. Super frustrating, and cost the city over $1M in legal fees, but they ultimately revised their analysis to comply with the court decision and completed the rezonings.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
So with SB 131 passed, this kind of lawsuit isn’t possible anymore, correct?
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Prop 45 is designed to benefit sprawl, freeways, and dams (and likely data centers, too). The CEQA infill exemptions from last year already cover the type of housing that we need more of in California.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Was this before bike lanes and trails were exempted?
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I agree lawsuits have a chilling effect, but less than 200 suits a year is pretty striking. Furthermore many of the lawsuits rely on other causes of action and would proceed anyway. Most projects are either exempt or have minimal process. FWIW I’ve always been in favor of streamlining for infill.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Private enforcement of environmental laws like Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, etc. has been the bedrock US approach. Hard to find the perfect balance, but in general I think recent CEQA streamlining for environmentally beneficial projects has been effective. Litigation like this is actually rare.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
The lawsuit rests on multiple causes of action beyond CEQA, and bike lanes in general have already been exempted from the law. If you’re going to make a broad claim about the law’s impact on the environment, you should acknowledge its effect on freeways, oil and gas drilling, sprawl, logging, etc.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
UK presenting an alternate EV future that could have been California's, had the federal government not (at least temporarily) dismantled our EV policies. The UK otherwise has the same goal that California had: 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. Still, CA is not too far behind.
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Reposted by Ethan Elkind
Stoic Thinker @stoicthinker2025.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
By the limited media coverage, you'd never know this is an existential crisis. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/02/c...
nytimes.com
U.N. Says World Will Miss Its 1.5-Degree Climate Target
Carbon removal combined with emissions reduction is the only remaining pathway to avert catastrophic levels of warming, a new report warns.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This is the way - up to 762 new residential units, including 240 affordable units coming to West Oakland BART. Plus 53,000 square feet of ground floor retail, 300,000 square feet of office & improved bikeways on 7th Street & Mandela Parkway. Rinse and repeat at every underutilized BART station!
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Victory for California here in at least temporarily stopping EPA from sending long-standing federal approvals of California emission regulations to Congress to be overturned. A separate case by CA challenging last year's congressional votes overturning different approvals is still pending.
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Ethan Elkind @ethanelkind.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The Supreme Court's ballroom case blatantly distorted the facts and ignored federal law to reach the majority's desired outcome of letting Trump continue with his project, as @dfarber1950.bsky.social describes in @legal-planet.org: legal-planet.org/2026/09/03/s...
legal-planet.org
Strictly Ballroom - Legal Planet
Given the facts as the Court presented them, its ruling that there was no standing in the ballroom cases shouldn't impact environmental law.
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