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Politico
2 days ago
- Science
- Politico
Alameda was just the tip (of the geoengineering iceberg)
With help from Alex Nieves and Camille von Kaenel SEA LEGS: Remember last year's short-lived climate experiment in San Francisco Bay to test the prospects of altering cloud behavior by spraying seawater into the air? Turns out researchers had been planning something much bigger than the series of sprays off the deck of the USS Hornet, a retired aircraft carrier docked in Alameda. As Corbin Hiar reports for POLITICO's E&E News, University of Washington researchers were secretly planning on deploying their technology across a stretch of ocean larger than Puerto Rico. Even before last year's test began, the researchers were talking with consultants and donors (including cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen, philanthropist Rachel Pritzker and venture capitalist Chris Sacca) about conducting a 3,900-square-mile cloud-creation test off the west coasts of North America, Chile or south-central Africa, according to more than 400 internal documents Corbin obtained through an open records request to the University of Washington. 'At such scales, meaningful changes in clouds will be readily detectable from space,' said a 2023 research plan from the university's Marine Cloud Brightening Program. The plans would have been contingent on the Alameda experiment going well — which it didn't, after city officials got so much public pushback and were so taken aback by the project's lack of transparency that they ordered a halt to it. University of Washington researchers downplayed the latest findings, saying that their work would have focused on research rather than deployment. The program does not 'recommend, support or develop plans for the use of marine cloud brightening to alter weather or climate,' Sarah Doherty, an atmospheric and climate science professor at the university who leads the program, said in a statement to Corbin. But unaffiliated academics said the process was flawed. 'Alameda was a stepping stone to something much larger, and there wasn't any engagement with local communities,' said Sikina Jinnah, an environmental studies professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. 'That's a serious misstep.' It's another public-relations setback for geoengineering writ large, which is drawing criticism from both ends of the scientific spectrum. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law last month that bans the injection or release of chemicals into the atmosphere 'for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight.' Meanwhile, more than 575 scientists have called for a ban on geoengineering development because it 'cannot be governed globally in a fair, inclusive, and effective manner.' And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has erroneously suggested that geoengineering is responsible for the deadly July 4 flood in Texas and introduced a bill to criminalize the technology, reposted Corbin's story on Sunday. 'There are many extreme and potentially deadly geoengineering projects happening,' she said. 'We must pass my Clear Skies Act to protect our skies and our sun!!' — CH, DK Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up here! MISS US?: The news kept happening last week while California Climate was off. Here's what went down on POLITICO Pro: Desperate times: The California Energy Commission confirmed Wednesday that it's convening discussions with 'market players' ahead of Valero and Phillips 66's planned closure of two of the state's nine refineries by April 2026, which together account for 17 percent of the state's refining capacity. It's the latest move from Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration to woo oil companies back to the state, coming on the heels of legislative language to ease oil-well permitting. LCFS in the crosshairs: Environmental groups sued the California Air Resources Board (again) over the state's controversial emissions trading market for transportation fuels, arguing that the agency didn't consider costs for low-income communities when it adopted new program rules last year. The groups, including Food and Water Watch and the Animal Defense Legal Fund, filed the lawsuit in Fresno County Superior Court. The groups also challenged the LCFS amendments in a December lawsuit claiming the agency fell short of requirements in the California Environmental Quality Act by not fully analyzing the environmental and community costs of its update. A new plan for powering data centers: The California Public Utilities Commission signed off on a new interim rule that will allow PG&E to connect data centers and other large energy users to the grid more quickly. Those energy users will now have standardized permitting requirements, instead of having to apply on a case-by-case basis, potentially shaving months off the time it takes to be approved. Only customers able to pay for the transmission costs upfront will be eligible. A smelly agreement: U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a deal with Mexican officials Thursday to speed up repairs and upgrades to wastewater treatment infrastructure in an effort to stop untreated sewage from flowing into San Diego waters. The U.S. agreed to expand capacity at a major wastewater treatment plant and release funding to complete pump station and collection pipe repairs, while the Mexican government pledged to look for funding to accelerate planned construction on projects. Delta dealing: The State Water Resources Control Board on Thursday endorsed a proposal, backed by Newsom, that would allow cities and farmers to conserve water and restore habitat instead of abiding by minimum flow requirements. Newsom praised the board after the hearing, but groups like the Golden State Salmon Association accused board members of 'collapsing under pressure' to approve voluntary agreements environmentalists and tribes have long criticized as too lenient and lacking accountability. — AN, CvK SOME OPTIONS: Electric vehicle advocates are pushing Newsom and agency officials to double down on EV investments as they scramble to counterbalance the Trump administration's rollback of the state's sales mandates and Biden-era tax incentives. A group of EV manufacturers, charger developers and environmentalists — including Rivian, Terawatt and the Natural Resources Defense Council — sent a letter to state officials last week, calling on them to backfill federal cuts to EV rebates and offer more financing and permitting streamlining for charging infrastructure. The seven-page letter also urges the state to reauthorize its cap-and-trade program and protect the low-carbon fuel standard, a pair of carbon-trading markets that provide funding for EV incentives and infrastructure. The industry's policy outline comes after Newsom issued an executive order June 12 giving state agencies 60 days to issue recommendations for maintaining EV adoption and as CARB is holding a series of public meetings around the state to gather options (the next one is scheduled for Thursday). — AN ENDANGERMENT IN DANGER: The Trump administration is about to take a sledgehammer to the cornerstone of the federal government's efforts to regulate carbon emissions. The EPA plans to release a proposal Tuesday that would overturn a 2009 scientific finding that greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare — the predicate for most climate regulations under the Clean Air Act, Jean Chemnick and Zack Colman report for POLITICO's E&E News. If the courts uphold Trump's move to repeal the endangerment finding, it could be easier for EPA to quickly undo a host of Biden-era climate rules for power plants and oil and gas methane without replacing them with new standards. That's on top of the administration's assault on state climate policies, like California's electric vehicle mandate, which Republicans revoked last month. — AN, JC, ZC RAKESTRAW RETURNS: Newsom reappointed Andrew Rakestraw as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety on Friday. Rakestraw, a former climate adviser for the Biden administration, was appointed in March to finish the term of former chair Jeanne Rizzo, who retired in February. He was previously a senior climate negotiator at the U.S. Department of State and a senior adviser for John Kerry, Biden's climate envoy. — Nearly two dozen California House representatives are demanding NOAA investigate a spike in gray whale deaths off the state's coast. — Replacement tires are generally less fuel-efficient than those that come on new cars, costing drivers extra gas money and increasing emissions, a new study finds. — The Trump administration is celebrating the revival of three oil rigs off Santa Barbara, as state regulators pursue fines and cease-and-desist orders against the company behind the restart.
Politico
3 days ago
- Science
- Politico
Researchers quietly planned a major test to dim sunlight, records show
'The Moore Foundation is not involved in the Marine Cloud Brightening Program,' said Holly Potter, a spokesperson for the charity, adding that 'solar geoengineering research in not a focus of the foundation's work.' The program pitched Quadrature and other donors on the idea that its need for private philanthropy was only temporary. Public support would eventually arrive for solar geoengineering research, the team argued. In a 2021 update for supporters, the team said it had received $1 million over two years from NOAA and the Department of Energy for modeling studies and had begun work on the modified snow-making machine that the researchers would later test in Alameda. That technology is also being used in a field trial along the Great Barrier Reef that's funded in part by the Australian government. At the same time, the donor report acknowledged the potential for 'public perception challenges' like those that would later short-circuit the Alameda field test. 'The MCB Program is well-positioned both in terms of its government ties, scientific analogues and careful positioning to move forward successfully, but this remains a risk.' The plan for Alameda included elements to engage the public. The deck of the USS Hornet, which is now a naval museum, remained open to visitors. But the team relied on museum staff to manage relations with Alameda leaders and carefully controlled the information it provided to the public, according to the documents provided by the University of Washington that included communications among the program leaders. 'We think it's safest to get air quality review help and are pursuing that in advance of engaging, but I'd avoid scaring them overly,' said an Aug. 23, 2023, text message before a meeting with Hornet officials. 'We want them to work largely on the assumption that things are a go.' No names were attached to the messages. Then in November 2023, a climate solutions reporter from National Public Radio was planning to visit the headquarters of SRI for a story about the importance of aerosols research. A communications strategist who worked for SilverLining at the time emailed the team a clear directive: 'There will be no mention of the study taking place in Alameda,' wrote Jesus Chavez, the founder of the public relations firm Singularity Media, in bold, underlined text. (Chavez didn't respond to a request for comment.) A November 2023 email from a SilverLining communications strategist to the team, directing them to not mention the Alameda study to an NPR reporter who was covering the Marine Cloud Brightening Program. | University of Washington At the same time, the program was closely coordinating with government scientists, documents show. The head of NOAA's chemical sciences division was one of three 'VIPs' who were scheduled to visit the headquarters of SRI for a demonstration of a cloud-making machine, according to a December 2023 email from Wanser of SilverLining. Other guests included a dean from the University of Washington and an official from the private investment office of billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, a long-time supporter of geoengineering research. (Gates Ventures didn't respond to a request for comment.)
Economic Times
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Economic Times
fireworks near me today: 4th of July Fireworks near me: Where to Watch Independence Day Parades and celebrations in New York, LA and other cities
Fireworks Near Me in New York Live Events Albany: Empire State Plaza, 9:15 p.m. Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie: 9–9:30 p.m. Jones Beach, Long Island: 9:30 p.m. Mirror Lake, Lake Placid: 9:15 p.m. Fireworks near me in Los Angeles & Southern California: Parades, Drones Long Beach: 9 p.m., Queen Mary Dodgers Stadium: Postgame fireworks Marina Del Rey: 9 p.m., Burton Chace Park El Segundo: 9 p.m., Stevenson Field Newport Beach: 9 p.m., Dunes Resort Santa Ana: Centennial Park, 9 p.m. Laguna Beach: Monument Point, 9 p.m. Riverside: 9 p.m., Civic Center Temecula: Ronald Reagan Sports Park, 9 p.m. Highland: Immanuel Baptist Church, 9 p.m. Ontario: 8:45 p.m. Drone, followed by 9 p.m. fireworks Culver City & San Gabriel replacing fireworks with drone shows Fireworks near me, Chicago: Neighborhood Festivities Despite No City Fireworks Oak Lawn: 9–9:30 p.m. Sauganash Parade & Picnic: 9:30 a.m. Independence Park Parade: 10 a.m. Grant Park Music Festival: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 6:30 p.m. Navy Pier: July 2 fireworks only (9 p.m.) Fireworks near me, Massachusetts & Boston: Over 50 Fireworks Shows Salisbury Beach: 10:15 p.m. Wakefield Lake Quannapowitt: 9:30 p.m. Plymouth's Pilgrim Memorial Park: Rain date July 13 Fireworks near me, Washington D.C.: National Mall Fireworks Show Virginia: Netherlands Carillon, Mount Vernon Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Park D.C.: East Potomac Park, Cardozo High School, Cathedral Fireworks near me, San Francisco Bay Area: Parades, Fireworks & Drone Shows Alameda: Parade & USS Hornet BBQ Concord: Kids run & fireworks at Mt. Diablo High Cupertino: Fireworks from Hyde Middle School, 9:30 p.m. Redwood City: Parade, festival & drone show Morgan Hill: Parade & Freedom Fest fireworks Fireworks Shows: San Francisco: 9:30 p.m., dual barges at Pier 39 & Aquatic Park Mountain View: Shoreline Amphitheatre with SF Symphony Santa Clara: Great America, 9:35 p.m. Healdsburg, Napa, Gilroy, Petaluma, Vallejo, Vacaville: All 9–9:30 p.m. San Jose: Fireworks only via Giants (Excite Ballpark) & Earthquakes games Final Tips Before You Go to see Fourth Of July Fireworks Check Local Listings for updates, last-minute changes, or cancellations Arrive Early for prime seating, especially near waterfronts and parks Pack Smart: Bring water, blankets, sunscreen, and flashlights Be Respectful: Follow city safety rules, park guidelines, and clean up afterward FAQs Are there any fireworks events happening in New York on July 4? Will there be a fireworks show in Los Angeles on July 4? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As the skies light up in red, white, and blue, Americans across the country are preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style. Whether you're in New York, California, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., or elsewhere, there's likely a spectacular show happening near you. Here's a city-by-city guide to 4th of July fireworks near me today—including drone shows, parades, and evening Long Island beaches to the Adirondack Mountains, New Yorkers have no shortage of 3 – Brewerton Fireworks on the RiverLocation: Oneida River, Brewerton | Time: DuskJuly 4 – Irondequoit, Jones Beach, Walkway Over the Hudson, Lake Placid, Albany (Empire State Plaza), Watkins Glen, Union (Endwell), LyndonvilleJuly 5 – Canandaigua at Kershaw ParkTime: Between 9:45–11 Santa Monica to Riverside, SoCal mixes tradition and Navy Pier will not host July 4 fireworks, communities Esplanade remains the crown jewel of July 4 fireworks in New Esplanade, 9:40 June 27 | Worcester: July 1 | Chatham: July 2New Bedford, Sharon, Fitchburg, Weymouth, Rutland: July 3Nantucket, Marblehead, Salem, Plymouth, Acton: July 4Franklin, Methuen, Milford: July 5North Andover: July 6 | Uxbridge: July 12Catch the capital's skyburst over the monuments or nearby Event: National Mall, 9:09 Viewing:Over 40 cities across the Bay are lighting up with fireworks and multiple locations across New York are hosting fireworks, including: Empire State Plaza in Albany at 9:15 p.m., Jones Beach (Long Island) at 9:30 p.m., Walkway Over the Hudson (Poughkeepsie) from 9–9:30 p.m., Lake Placid (Mirror Lake) at 9:15 several events are planned in and around L.A., including Queen Mary, Long Beach at 9 p.m., Dodger Stadium (postgame fireworks), Marina Del Rey at 9 p.m., and Stevenson Field, El Segundo at 9 p.m.
San Francisco Chronicle
20-05-2025
- General
- San Francisco Chronicle
Memorial Day 2025: Honor the occasion with observances, salutes, parades and more
Celebrated on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day will see Bay Area organizations marking the occasion with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, cemetery memorial events and local presentations honoring American soldiers. However, it's not all solemn observances. There are plenty of afternoon barbecues and parties scheduled to mark the unofficial start to the summer season. And things are right on schedule, with the long weekend filled with festivals, including Carnaval San Francisco and BottleRock Napa Valley. Services and ceremonies Annual Flag Planting Event at the San Francisco Presidio National Cemetery 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 24. Free, reservations required. Presidio National Cemetery, 1 Lincoln Blvd., S.F. 925-674-6100. Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Day Service Branch 25 of the Royal Canadian Legion San Francisco Bay Area plans to host a program honoring the holiday with members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Arkansas Division. 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 24. Free. Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1100 El Camino Real, Colma. 203-997-6330. Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery Memorial Day Service Commemorate Memorial Day with a visit to the oldest military cemetery on the West Coast. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Birch Road, Benicia. 707-693-2460. San Rafael Memorial Day Service Marin County United Veterans Council conducts a program featuring patriotic music, speakers, a flag display and wreath-laying ceremony. 9 a.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 20 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415-473-7000. Hillsborough Memorial Day The town parade kicks off an afternoon filled with Memorial Day activities, including an observance and memorial ceremony followed by a carnival with live local music and food trucks. Parade at 9:45 a.m.; memorial service at 11:15 a.m.; music fest at 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Town Hall, 1600 Floribunda Ave., Hillsborough. 650-375-7400. USS Hornet Memorial Day Service Observe the occasion onboard the USS Hornet with a wreath-laying ceremony, color guard presentation, guest speakers and a memorial squadron flyover. Be aware that the vessel will also be hosting a three-day cosplay, Furry festival, 'Galactic Camp,' from May 24-26 featuring many events for all ages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. Included with museum admission; veterans free. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. 510-521-8448. Mountain View Cemetery Memorial Day Commemoration Celebrating its 101st anniversary, the memorial event is set to include a presentation of colors, salute to the fallen, refreshments, walking tours, live music and speakers. 10 a.m.-noon Monday, May 26. Free. 5000 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 510-658-2588. Mill Valley Salutes Memorial Day Mark the holiday with a small-town parade, preceded by a memorial service at 9:45 a.m. Stake out a spot near downtown's Lytton Square, where some of those marching will pause for brief performances. Be ready for singing, dancing, creative floats and more. A carnival and live music concert continue Monday's festivities at the community center after the parade. 10 a.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Parade route runs from Old Mill Park to Mount Tamalpais High School along Miller Ave., Mill Valley. Following a ceremony and salute at the National Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., Presidio Chapel will host a meditative concert by organist Robert Gurney at 12:15 p.m. Take a self-guided tour of the Presidio's memorials and monuments. Explore a history exhibition at the Officer's Club, enjoy local food trucks on the Main Parade Lawn and more. The Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno will also hold a morning Memorial Day ceremony. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free. Presidio Main Post, 50 Moraga Ave., S.F. and Presidio Chapel, 130 Fisher Loop, The Presidio, S.F. 415-561-3930. 2025 Seaman's Memorial Cruise Climb aboard the SS Jeremiah O'Brien for its annual bay cruise in honor of Memorial Day. Includes a wreath-laying ceremony conducted on the ocean near the Golden Gate Bridge, with color guard service. Tickets include refreshments. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 31. $110-$165, reservations required. Pier 35, Fisherman's Wharf, S.F. 415-544-0100. Festivals and Other Events Mill Valley Memorial Day Carnival and Concert on the Green Bring the family for some old-fashioned fun with carnival rides and games, live entertainment and vendors. On Monday, the event will include an outdoor music festival, food and drink vendors and more. 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 23; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25; noon-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free admission; ride tickets and wristbands available; reservations recommended. Friends Field, Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. Marin Greek Festival Celebrate the holiday weekend with live music from the Kymata Band, Greek food, wine and sweet treats, speakers, cultural activities and dancing. 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 23; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, May 24; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, May 25. Free-$5 admission. Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 Highland Dr., Novato. Memorial Day Weekend Bay Area Kidfest This long-running annual Bay Area family event is set to feature live entertainment on multiple stages, children's activities, food vendors, carnival rides, arts and crafts exhibitors. A Memorial Day ceremony, scheduled at noon on Monday, is set to feature the award-winning Concord Blue Devils C Drum and Bugle Corps and the Mount Diablo High School Jr. ROTC color guard. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. $9-$40, under 2 and seniors free; reservations recommended. Mount Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. 925-408-4014. Point Reyes Memorial Day Weekend Open Studios Tour artists' studios in the Point Reyes Station, Inverness and Inverness Park area over the holiday weekend. Featuring an assemblage of West Marin sculptors, photographers, potters, painters, glass artists, jewelry makers, fiber artists and woodworkers with studios open to the public. Studio locations map can be found online. 51st Annual Muir Beach Volunteer Firemen's Barbecue The popular fundraising event is scheduled to include a barbecue or vegetarian tamale lunch, dessert, plus live music with Lumanation and the Andre Pessis All-Stars. There will be craft beer and wine, children's activities, a raffle and more family-friendly fun. Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, May 25. $10-$30. Santos Meadows, 2704 Muir Woods Road, Muir Beach. 415-381-8793. San Ramon Art and Wind Festival The annual celebration of all things that fly features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, live entertainment on three stages, children's activities, professional kite-flying demonstrations and a kite-making workshop. The city of San Ramon will host a Memorial Day ceremony from 9-10 a.m. at Memorial Park that's set to include live patriotic music performed by Olympia Fields Brass and vocalist Saee Ghate. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Monday, May 25-26. Free. Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. 925-973-2500. Hang out for an afternoon celebration with barbecue lunch and live DJ sets from Jasmine Solano, JCUE, Lady Ryan, Dauche and Knowpa Slaps. 2-8 p.m. Sunday, May 25. SVN West Rooftop, 10 S Van Ness Ave., S.F. Bolinas Memorial Day Food Festival Enjoy Memorial Day afternoon in Bolinas with Thai food, paella, tamales, oysters, live music and drinks. Noon-5 p.m. Monday, May 26. Free admission. Bolinas Community Center, 14 Wharf Road, Bolinas. 415-868-2128. S— Kickin Memorial Day Bash Spend the afternoon and evening hanging out with a beverage at El Rio S.F.'s back patio stage, and enjoy a food pop-up along with live music from Kevin Carducci and the KC Stars, Proud Mary, Smelley Kelley's Honky-Tonk Nighttime Band, the Ugly and DJ Mexican Spitfire spinning old-timey country hits.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
KRON4 goes below deck on the SF Bay Ferry
ALAMEDA, Calif. (KRON) — Thousands of commuters take the ferry to work daily from the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal, a newer terminal near the USS Hornet. The San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet, which carries an average of 7,500 passengers daily, operates 18 boats from Alameda. Tickets for the ferry are priced at just under $5 each way. 'You know, I do have to pinch myself sometimes to sort of remind myself how lucky I am to get this view,' said Captain Morgan Wodhams of the SF Bay Ferry. 'People come from miles away to experience the San Francisco Bay, so to sort of be in it and be a part of it on a daily basis, I do feel gratitude at that.' Gov. Gavin Newsom urges California cities and counties to ban homeless encampments The ferry, which cost $15 million, can carry up to 400 passengers. The fleet is set to expand with five electric ferries joining in early 2027. The fleet operates across 11 terminals spread throughout the bay, providing a crucial service for daily commuters. All facts from this article were gathered by KRON4 journalists. The article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KRON4 staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
