Latest news with #UniversityofCaliforniaBerkeley
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Android phones have brought early quake warnings to 98 countries
Android smartphones around the world have been actively helping provide earthquake alerts using their acceleration sensors. Between 2021 and 2024, these phones sent thousands of successful warnings to people living in quake-prone regions in 98 countries. Since 2020, Google has included its Android Earthquake Alert (AEA) system in its phones to detect seismic P- and S-waves that precede an earthquake and provide alerts. The company and the University of California Berkeley's Seismology Laboratory have released data in a new paper in Science, detailing the performance and methods of the algorithm over the last three years. The AEA system was first rolled out in the U.S. in 2020, followed by New Zealand, and Greece in 2021, and then the rest of the world. It issued alerts for 11,231 events, including ahead of the Turkey-Syria (magnitude 7.8), the Philippines (6.7), and Nepal (5.7) events, all in 2023, and the 6.2-magnitude event in Turkey in April 2025. In the Philippines, Turkey-Syria, and Nepal quakes, users received 10 to 60 seconds of advance warning. The system has thus far detected more than 18,000 quakes of varying magnitudes, including more than 2,000 strong quakes (moderate shaking or more on the MMI scale) and issued a total of 79 crore alerts. The AEA team also surveyed users between February 2023 and April 2024. Some 79% of 1.5 lakh users said they found the alerts very helpful. AEA crowdsources signals from a phone's accelerometer, a sensor that measures acceleration. On stationary phones, accelerometers can sense the faster-moving P-waves from an earthquake, which stretch and squeeze the geological material they pass through. When an accelerometer senses these waves, it sends a signal to Google's earthquake detection server, which then analyses data from other phones nearby to confirm the wave is real. This data is collected and processed rapidly together with the waves' location and magnitude. The goal is to issue an alert before the slower and more destructive S-waves arrive. While P-waves can travel through both solids and liquids, S-waves move only through solids. They also move up and down, displacing the material they move through. AEA doesn't monitor surface waves, the third type of wave to arrive in an earthquake. Surface waves are much slower and traverse only the outermost layer of the crust, and are typically responsible for the most aboveground damage. Algorithm at work To detect an earthquake, all smartphones bank on their accelerometers to sense vibrations on surfaces and in air. Earthquakes produce many such vibrations before the energy that causes damage actually reaches a location. The extent of damage caused by a quake increases with each type of wave that reaches a location on the surface. The algorithm estimates the distance to the epicentre in one of two ways. If it's within 200 km of the surface, it's equal to the time difference between the arrival of the S- and P-waves multiplied by 8 km/s. For deeper epicentres, the algorithm includes additional methods to account for the waves' motion through the mantle. The algorithm issues two kinds of alerts: 'BeAware' alerts for impending light shaking and 'TakeAction' alerts for stronger shaking; the latter are accompanied by an audio warning that overrides 'do not disturb' settings. Alerts can also be manually enabled and disabled. According to the paper, the system has increased the number of people with access to earthquake early warning by nearly a factor of 10: from around 25 crore people in 2019 to 250 crore people in 98 countries. The authors of the paper, who are also affiliated with Harvard University and Google Germany, also highlighted the AEA's shortcomings — including its inability to accurately estimate the magnitude and tendency to relay warnings after shaking has begun. They also documented these issues in detail and specified tweaks to fix many issues, including lowering the median absolute error in the first estimates of a quake's magnitude from 0.5 to 0.25. They also traced three false positives in the 11,321 events to two hurricanes and one mass phone vibration from an unrelated alert, and included fixes for alerts to be issued faster. 'The proliferation of low-cost sensors in consumer products provides opportunities for new observations of our physical environment that are both dense and global in scale. AEA makes it possible to make global observations of earthquakes,' the authors wrote. Sandhya Ramesh is a freelance science journalist.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
15 Little Things That Reveal A Lot About The Kind Of Person You Are
We all have quirks and habits that reveal a little bit about who we are. Whether it's how you treat a server or what you do when no one's watching, these small actions speak volumes. It's fascinating how the seemingly insignificant choices we make every day can paint a picture of our character. Here are 15 little things that can say a lot about the kind of person you are. How you interact with service staff can be a revealing indicator of your personality. If you're consistently polite and respectful, that might suggest you value all people equally, regardless of their job. Conversely, if you tend to be dismissive or rude to servers, it may hint at a more self-centered or status-conscious side of you. According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, people who treat service staff well tend to be more empathetic and socially aware. So, next time you're at a restaurant or a coffee shop, consider how your behavior might reflect your deeper values. Your interactions here aren't just about you and the server; they're about the broader social cues you emit. People who pay attention to the feelings of others often make better friends and partners. It all ties into emotional intelligence—how well you understand and manage your emotions and those of others. By being mindful of how you treat service staff, you're practicing a valuable social skill. This level of awareness often translates into other areas of life, like work and personal relationships. Arriving on time says a lot about your personal discipline and how much you value others' time. Being consistently late can indicate a lack of organization, or worse, a lack of respect for other people's schedules. On the flip side, those who are reliably punctual often come across as dependable and respectful. It's not just about showing up at the right time; it's about demonstrating that you can be counted on. Punctuality is a small thing, but it communicates a bigger message about your reliability. When you're punctual, you're also sending a signal about your time management skills. People who are good at managing their time tend to be more successful in both personal and professional realms. It's not just about avoiding the mad rush; it's about knowing how to prioritize and manage your commitments. This trait can make you a more effective collaborator, friend, and family member. So, next time you find yourself running late, think about what it might be saying about you. Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them can reveal a lot about your character. If you tend to own up to your errors and try to fix them, it shows maturity and responsibility. On the contrary, if you often deflect blame or make excuses, it might suggest a lack of accountability. Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, known for her research on mindset, suggests that viewing mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures can lead to personal growth. This perspective can be invaluable in both personal and professional settings, allowing you to grow from your experiences. Taking responsibility for your mistakes isn't just about admitting you were wrong; it's about showing you're willing to learn. People who own their errors are often seen as more trustworthy and dependable. This openness can lead to stronger relationships and a better reputation. When you show that you can learn from mistakes, you're signaling that you value growth over being right. It's a powerful way to build trust and credibility with those around you. How well you listen can be a significant indicator of your empathy and respect for others. If you actively listen and engage with what people are saying, you're likely to be seen as more compassionate and understanding. Conversely, if you frequently interrupt or don't pay attention, it might suggest you prioritize your thoughts over others'. Good listeners often build stronger connections because they make people feel heard and valued. Listening isn't just about hearing words; it's about connecting with the person speaking. When you listen well, you're also more likely to understand different perspectives and solutions. This ability to empathize can be a major asset, both personally and professionally. People who are good listeners often excel in roles that require collaboration and communication. By listening, you also open yourself up to learning new things and seeing situations in new ways. In essence, listening well is a cornerstone of effective communication and meaningful relationships. Your approach to money can reveal a lot about your priorities and values. If you find yourself constantly splurging on non-essentials, it might suggest a more impulsive or carefree mindset. On the other hand, if you're more budget-conscious and save regularly, you might value security and long-term planning more. According to financial psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz, people who maintain a healthy balance between spending and saving tend to have better financial and emotional well-being. Understanding your spending habits can give you insight into what you truly value and help you align your actions with your long-term goals. When you manage your money wisely, you're also likely practicing self-discipline, a trait that can benefit various aspects of life. People who are good at managing their finances often enjoy less stress and more opportunities for personal growth. It's not about having a lot of money; it's about using what you have wisely. By being mindful of your spending, you're setting yourself up for a more secure and fulfilling future. And this sense of financial confidence can boost your overall happiness and stability. Your social media activity can say a lot about your personality and priorities. If you're frequently posting, sharing, and engaging online, you might value social connections and public validation. Conversely, if you're more reserved or selective about your online presence, it might suggest you value privacy or authenticity more. Social media can be a double-edged sword, offering opportunities to connect but also to compare. How you navigate this space can reflect how you handle external influences and self-expression. Your digital etiquette matters, too, as it reflects your respect for others' opinions and boundaries. Being mindful of what you share and how you interact demonstrates a level of thoughtfulness and self-awareness. People who use social media positively often find it easier to maintain real-world relationships. Your online behavior can also affect how others perceive you, both personally and professionally. So, next time you post or comment online, consider the impression you're leaving behind. What you choose to read can offer a glimpse into your interests and intellectual curiosity. If you gravitate towards fiction, you might have a strong imagination and value storytelling. Alternatively, if you prefer non-fiction, you may prioritize learning and factual knowledge. According to a study published in the journal "Science," reading literary fiction can improve your ability to understand others' mental states, known as "theory of mind." This suggests that your reading choices can also influence your empathy and social skills. Reading isn't just a pastime; it's a way to expand your horizons and develop your thinking. People who read widely often have a broader understanding of the world and a deeper empathy for others. Your choice of reading material can also reflect your values and what you find important in life. By being intentional about what you read, you can shape your perspective and open yourself to new ideas. So, take a look at your bookshelf—it's a reflection of your intellectual journey. How you handle stress can reveal significant aspects of your personality. If you tend to remain calm and collected, you might have strong coping mechanisms and resilience. In contrast, if you frequently panic or become overwhelmed, it could indicate a need for better stress management skills. Your response to stress is often a reflection of your emotional regulation abilities. Those who manage stress well can often navigate life's challenges with more ease and less anxiety. Managing stress effectively isn't just about keeping calm; it's about knowing how to prioritize and tackle problems efficiently. People who handle stress well often have developed strategies to decompress and find solutions. This ability can significantly impact your mental health and overall quality of life. Being aware of your stress responses allows you to make more informed decisions and maintain healthier relationships. Ultimately, how you handle stress can shape your approach to life's ups and downs. Your taste in humor can provide insight into your outlook on life and your social connections. A dark or sarcastic sense of humor might suggest a more cynical or critical worldview. In contrast, a light-hearted or goofy sense of humor often indicates a more optimistic or carefree nature. Humor can be a powerful tool for connecting with others, as it often reflects shared values and perspectives. Your sense of humor can also influence how you handle challenges and setbacks. A good sense of humor can be a valuable social asset, making it easier to connect and communicate with others. People who appreciate humor often have a knack for seeing the lighter side of life, which can help in stressful situations. Your humor style can also reflect your creativity and intelligence, as crafting or understanding a good joke often requires quick thinking. Humor isn't just about making people laugh; it's about finding joy and connection. So, consider how your sense of humor plays a role in your personality and interactions. How you apologize, or if you apologize at all, can reveal much about your character. If you can offer a genuine apology when you've made a mistake, it shows humility and a willingness to take responsibility. A lack of apology or a half-hearted one might suggest pride or difficulty admitting fault. Apologizing is more than just saying "I'm sorry"; it's about acknowledging the impact of your actions on others. This ability is crucial for repairing and maintaining relationships. Apologies can serve as a bridge to understanding and reconciliation. People who apologize sincerely often find it easier to resolve conflicts and build stronger connections. An effective apology demonstrates empathy and a commitment to make things right. By being open to apologizing, you show that you value relationships and mutual respect. It's a small act that can lead to significant positive changes in your interactions and relationships. Your curiosity levels can shed light on your openness to new experiences and ideas. If you're always eager to learn and explore, it suggests a dynamic and adventurous spirit. Conversely, a lack of curiosity might indicate contentment with the status quo or a reluctance to step out of your comfort zone. Curiosity is the driving force behind innovation and personal growth. It pushes you to ask questions and seek answers, keeping your mind active and engaged. Being curious often leads to a richer, more fulfilling life. People who embrace curiosity tend to be more adaptable and creative, finding joy in discovery and learning. This trait can also make you more resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges. By nurturing your curiosity, you open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences. So, keep asking questions and exploring new avenues—it's a path to continuous growth and enrichment. How you react to criticism can reveal your confidence level and willingness to improve. If you accept criticism gracefully and use it as a learning opportunity, it shows maturity and self-assurance. On the other hand, if you become defensive or dismissive, it could suggest insecurity or resistance to change. Accepting criticism is an essential part of personal and professional development. It's about recognizing that feedback, even when uncomfortable, can lead to growth. Being open to criticism can enhance your relationships and performance in various areas of life. People who handle criticism well often view it as a chance to gain new perspectives and improve their skills. This receptiveness can foster a culture of learning and cooperation, both personally and professionally. By responding positively to criticism, you demonstrate a commitment to self-improvement. It's an opportunity to turn potential negatives into constructive change. The friends you choose can tell a lot about your values and interests. If your circle includes a diverse range of people, it may suggest you appreciate different perspectives and experiences. On the other hand, if your friends are similar to you, it might reflect a need for comfort and familiarity. Friendships can serve as mirrors, reflecting aspects of your personality and priorities. Who you surround yourself with often influences your behavior and outlook on life. Choosing friends who challenge and support you can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. People often gravitate towards friends who share similar values and beliefs, reinforcing their identity and sense of belonging. Your choice of friends can also impact your emotional health and stability. Building and maintaining healthy friendships requires effort and mutual respect, enriching your life in countless ways. So, take note of your social circle—it's a reflection of who you are and who you aspire to be. Your eating habits can offer clues about your discipline and lifestyle preferences. If you maintain a balanced diet, it might suggest a focus on health and long-term well-being. In contrast, frequently indulging in unhealthy foods might indicate a more impulsive or indulgent nature. Your approach to eating can also reflect your cultural background or personal beliefs. Food choices can be deeply personal, intertwining with identity and values in various ways. Mindful eating is not just about nutrition; it's about understanding your body's needs and responding appropriately. People who are conscious of their eating habits tend to be more attuned to their overall health and wellness. This awareness can lead to better physical and mental health outcomes. By paying attention to what you eat, you're making a statement about your priorities and self-care routine. Your eating habits can be a window into broader lifestyle choices and personal discipline. Your hobbies and interests are a window into your passions and what you value in your free time. If you engage in creative activities, it might suggest you're imaginative and value self-expression. Alternatively, hobbies like sports or games might indicate a competitive or team-oriented mindset. Your choice of pastime can reflect deeper aspects of your personality, such as the need for relaxation or the desire for challenge. Hobbies also offer a way to connect with others who share similar interests. Engaging in activities you love can significantly impact your overall happiness and stress levels. People who dedicate time to hobbies often find it easier to balance the demands of work and personal life. These pursuits provide an outlet for creativity, relaxation, and personal growth. By exploring your interests, you nurture your soul and enhance your quality of life. So, consider what your hobbies say about you—they're a reflection of your unique personality and aspirations.
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
BFDI: Online series continues to soar
While many children's series end up licensed to streaming platforms or cable channels, BFDI never left YouTube. It began with a maths assignment and a folded piece of printer paper with cartoons on it. This was how twin brothers Michael and Cary Huang from California set off on the path to creating Battle for Dream Island (BFDI). It's a YouTube animated series that has kept millions of kids, teenagers and even some grownups tapping to their screens for over a decade. It was an unlikely beginning. 'My brother Cary had to create a fake catalogue for an algebra class in 2009,' said Michael Huang. 'Inside it was a comic about how rock, paper and scissors, the hand gesture game, could be improved. He replaced them with water, sponge and fire.' The idea simmered, and eventually, characters became a cast. The cast became a story. And the story became a show. 'We were travelling when we decided to animate some of these comics,' Michael explained. 'I was really getting into digital animation at the time. It made sense to combine that with Cary's characters. That's how BFDI was born.' Unlikely beginnings In the early days, Cary was also drawing his own version of a Cartoon Network show called Total Drama Island on folded paper booklets. He called it Total Fiery Island. It was, in a way, pastimes that foreshadowed it all. Michael read film at the University of California Berkeley. Cary graduated from Stanford with a degree in computer science. The two share creative DNA as much as they do actual DNA. Watch BDFI's debut episode As the show debuted and episodes rolled out, audiences liked the silliness of BFDI, the unpredictability, and the unapologetic embrace of the somewhat bizarre. It was a game show parody, but also something a bit more whacky and smarter. An animated contest where characters like Leafy and Firey jostled for popularity, but where the humour teetered on slapstick of the Charlie Chaplin variety. A willingness to be totally goofy 'Cary is the heart of BFDI,' said Michael. 'He's always had this willingness to be completely goofy, and it stuck,' he shared. 'Even as we got older, through high school and college, we kept making episodes. That same tone became part of the show's identity. It's also been tricky to bring in additional writers because of that. But recently, we've hired two new writers who now also direct. They really understand it. One of the two even moved to Los Angeles to work with us.' Also Read: Mr Men Box Set's A Winner While many children's series end up licensed to streaming platforms or cable channels, BFDI never left YouTube. The twins embraced online distribution instead, long before media companies were betting on creators who recorded from their bedrooms. 'Some people compare us to shows like Cocomelon or Blippi, but I'd say our closest counterpart is creator channel LankyBox,' Michael said. The two channels recently agreed to work together and react, online, to one another's content. 'There's this whole ecosystem of creators doing things outside the traditional model. And it's working.' Old school animation appeal BFDI's animation is almost old-school in its appeal. There are no glossy Pixar finishes or ultra-detailed Disney characters here. The style is simple, colourful, and often deliberately rough around the edges. Michael isn't convinced that realism has anything to do with what makes animation good. 'I remember watching that Lion King remake a few years ago,' he said. 'It looked real but didn't feel like anything. What we've seen in the past few years, especially with Spider-Verse, is that people actually want more stylised, more imaginative animation. Something different.' And BFDI has become more than just a show. Fans are building games on Roblox and Fortnite based on the series. Some are even livestreaming play-throughs and remixing characters. 'There's a whole world of fan-made stuff on Roblox,' said Michael. 'That connection with the audience is something we haven't explored fully, but we want to.' For the first ten years, YouTube ad revenue funded the brothers. That changed in 2019. 'We started exploring merchandising. Plush toys, silicon lamps, the works,' Michael said. 'We didn't go through the agencies most creators use. We found our own manufacturers, did fulfilment ourselves. Also, we didn't even know people outsourced that kind of thing.' Now add live events to the mix, and BFDI is now running a tight and succesful media operation out of Los Angeles, with a full team and a growing audience of millions. From pause, to play again A pause caused by the brothers' respective studies is now back in play before expansion, Michael said, and there's some unfinished business. 'A lot of fans remind us that we haven't finished Season Two or Season Three,' he said. 'We made one episode of Season Three and then skipped to Four. Right now, we just want to finish what we started. No large-scale musicals, no other major spin-offs, not yet. Just wrapping up the story properly.' Once that's done, the sky's the limit for this popular show that's embedded itself into global popular culture. Now Read: Joburg's Forgotten Movie Empire
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Putting profit over people': big gas is waging war on a California clean air rule
This story is co-published with Floodlight. On a windy night in early January, Barbara Ishida, a second grade teacher, spotted the Eaton fire glowing in the hills behind her home in Altadena, California. Her mind turned to the deadly wildfires in Lahaina and Paradise and she thought, 'Let's get out – now.' Ishida and her husband evacuated safely, but the flames destroyed their home. An attribution study found that climate change, which is primarily caused by burning fossil fuels, made the January fires 35% more likely. She thought the least they could do was rebuild in a way that wouldn't compound the climate crisis that raised the fire risk. 'Building back is our only option at this point,' Ishida said, 'so we're going to build back super environmentally friendly.' Her vision is to build a fire-resistant home with no gas appliances. That approach is backed by a University of California Berkeley study in April that concluded all-electric construction was the best and most climate-friendly strategy to rebuild after the fires. But the gas industry is pushing back against this idea. Proposed rules that would have encouraged Ishida and other homeowners to buy furnaces and heaters that emit no nitrogen oxides (NOx) – a key pollutant from gas appliances – have been weakened and delayed by a coalition of groups that includes SoCalGas, the country's largest gas utility. SoCalGas has a history of lobbying hard against regulations that hurt its bottom line. After a fierce opposition campaign, the rules are going to a vote on Friday, 6 June. The rules are proposed by the south coast air quality management district (SCAQMD), the agency responsible for improving air quality in Los Angeles and nearby communities, one of the most polluted air basins in the United States. If passed, the rules are designed to create cleaner air and reduce planet-heating emissions by setting future targets for sales of new zero-emission space and water heaters. The rules would apply to manufacturers, distributors, sellers and installers. They are expected to prevent 2,490 premature deaths and avoid 10,200 asthma cases. 'Consumers will continue to have a choice of purchasing either a gas or electric space/water heaters when replacing their existing units,' explained Nahal Mogharabi, a spokesperson for the air-quality district. 'Importantly, consumers can continue to operate their existing units until the consumer chooses to replace it or the unit breaks.' SoCalGas defended its role in the opposition campaign. 'SoCalGas' stakeholder engagement and outreach efforts on this topic are a regular part of any rulemaking process where we share information that could affect Southern California customers,' Erica Berardi, a SoCalGas spokesperson, wrote in an email. BizFed, a business group that was also part of the opposition campaign, advocated for a delay in the rule-making process 'to allow for more transparency and sufficient public outreach to make Southern Californians aware of the significant costs associated with these changes', Elizabeth Daubel, communications director for BizFed, wrote in an email. At the same time that the opposition campaign ramped up, groups allied with the gas industry filed a lawsuit against the SCAQMD, aiming to undermine its authority to impose such regulations. The opposition is far from unique; a February report by a London-based thinktank, InfluenceMap, found that fossil fuel companies in the United States, European Union and Australia were waging parallel campaigns against laws that restrict use of gas in buildings – pushback that has largely succeeded in preventing and weakening these laws. Ishida signed a letter supporting the proposed SCAQMD rules because she believes they would encourage Altadena to build back in a sustainable way. When she heard about the organized opposition to the rules, Ishida felt angry. 'They're just putting profits over people,' she said. 'It's sad and it's selfish and it's not right.' Related: 'Big oil's negligence': LA residents call on fossil fuel industry to pay for wildfire damages Although progressive states like California are leading the transition away from fossil fuels, gas appliances remain ubiquitous in California homes and across the western United States. Buildings account for one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in California but are subject to local control, meaning that local regulators like the SCAQMD have a big role to play in lowering emissions. In 2023, recognizing the air pollution caused by gas appliances, the agency proposed amendments to two rules to encourage alternatives. Changes to Rules 1111 and 1121 would establish a zero-emission NOx standard for furnaces and water heaters. As originally written, the new rules would have affected more than 10m gas-fired residential and commercial furnaces and residential water heaters. The rules would not affect gas stoves, a flashpoint in similar regulatory efforts. As they were written in October 2024, the proposed rules would have required all furnaces and water heaters installed to become zero-emission by 2026 for new residential and commercial buildings. Existing buildings and mobile homes had a few more years to comply. But in recent months, SCAQMD staff have softened the proposed rules. The current version now requires manufacturers to meet zero-emission sales targets for residential buildings, starting at 30% in 2027-28 and rising to 90% by 2036. The rule no longer requires that all new furnaces and water heaters be zero-emission by a certain date. The original rules would have reduced NOx emissions by 10 tons a day, which would have been the largest emissions-reducing rule package adopted in over three decades by the SCAQMD. The revised rules would achieve a reduction of 6 tons a day of NOx emissions. Kim Orbe, senior conservation program manager at Sierra Club, said pushing back the compliance date would allow manufacturers to continue building gas-powered equipment for years to come. She described the rules as 'tremendously weakened'. In late 2024, an opposition campaign sprang up, prompting SCAQMD's board to push back a scheduled hearing and final vote by six months, to Friday, 6 June. SoCalGas and groups aligned with the company helped delay the rule-making process by encouraging public officials to oppose the rules, according to records obtained by the Energy and Policy Institute and shared with Floodlight. Ahead of a major SCAQMD meeting on 20 December, SoCalGas employees sent 'urgent' requests to public officials, including mayors of cities in the south coast area, asking them to send letters, testify and pass resolutions opposing the rules. Their emails claimed – misleadingly – that the rules would prohibit the sale and installation of all gas furnaces and water heaters. Some of the letters that SCAQMD received from public officials were drafted by a consultant working for BizFed. Several city governments copied the consultant's draft letter on to their letterhead. Almost word-for-word letters were sent to the SCAQMD by the Orange county council of governments, the city of Lake Forest and the city of Loma Linda. The response to the rules was overwhelming, generating over 12,500 comments. But staff reported that many letters opposing the rules contained faulty information, including that the rules would mandate homeowners switch to all-electric appliances. The governing board delayed the vote and modified the rules to give more time to address concerns about 'cost, technology availability and consumer choice', Mogharabi wrote in an email. 'Even though the rule has been modified, as is typical during the rule-making process,' she added, 'the current NOx reductions are significant.' Mogharabi noted that this summer the agency was launching a Go Zero rebate program that will provide more than $21m to help residents and small businesses install zero-emission heating appliances. On 10 January 2025, as unprecedented mega-fires burned out of control in Los Angeles – destroying thousands of homes and killing 30 people – SCAQMD officials held a public meeting to consider the proposed rules 1111 and 1121. The tone of the meeting was somber. Officials began by acknowledging the wildfires and smoke cloaking the city, offering condolences to a board member who lost his home to the flames. Minutes later, lobbyists including a representative of SoCalGas asked for the rules to be delayed or retracted, citing the lawsuit challenging SCAQMD's authority to make such rules. Related: Big oil pushed to kill bill that would have made them pay for wildfire disasters Jessi Davis, a SoCalGas lobbyist said, 'We think it would be prudent for the board to postpone this rule-making until these issues are resolved by the courts.' In December, a coalition of groups, including homebuilders, restaurant owners and unions, filed the lawsuit against the SCAQMD, seeking to overturn a related rule that phases out large gas-fired furnaces and water heaters in commercial and industrial facilities. That rule is different from the proposed rules, which are specific to smaller residential and commercial furnaces and water heaters. 'The legal theories they're trying to push would undermine the ability of the [agency] to protect its residents,' said Adrian Martinez, an attorney at Earthjustice, an environmental non-profit that is intervening in the case. 'They're attempting to strip local entities like SCAQMD of the ability to clean up pollution.' With another wildfire season on the horizon, Ishida is thinking about the future of Los Angeles if climate change continues to worsen. 'We're not going to be the only community that burns,' Ishida said. 'We're not going to be the last if we continue down this stretch.' Floodlight is a non-profit newsroom that investigates the powerful interests stalling climate action. • This article was updated on 5 June 2025 to clarify that SCAQMD's board pushed back a scheduled hearing and final vote to Friday 6 June; an earlier version mistakenly gave the day as Tuesday.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The gas lobby is weakening Southern California's boldest clean-air plan in decades
On a windy night in early January, second-grade teacher Barbara Ishida spotted the Eaton Fire glowing in the hills behind her home in Altadena, California. Her mind turned to the deadly wildfires in Lahaina and Paradise and she thought, 'Let's get out — now.' Ishida and her husband evacuated safely, but the flames destroyed their home. An attribution study found that climate change, which is primarily caused by burning fossil fuels, made the January fires 35% more likely. Selling their burned lot would not earn enough money to afford another home elsewhere, Ishida said. She thought the least they could do is rebuild in a way that wouldn't compound the climate crisis that raised the fire risk. 'Building back is our only option at this point,' Ishida said, 'so we're going to build back super environmentally-friendly.' Her vision is to build a fire-resistant home with no gas appliances. That approach is backed by a University of California Berkeley study released in April that concluded all-electric construction is the fastest, most cost-effective and most climate-friendly strategy to rebuild after the fires. But the gas industry is pushing back against this idea. Proposed rules that would have encouraged Ishida and other homeowners to buy furnaces and heaters that emit no nitrogen oxides (NOx) — a key pollutant from gas appliances — have been weakened and delayed by a coalition of groups that includes SoCalGas, the country's largest gas utility and a monopoly gas company in Southern California. After a fierce opposition campaign, the rules are going to a vote on Friday, June 6. The rules are proposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the agency responsible for improving air quality in Los Angeles and nearby communities, one of the most polluted air basins in the United States. If passed, the rules are designed to create cleaner air and reduce planet-heating emissions by setting future targets for sales of new zero-emission space and water heaters. The rules would apply to manufacturers, distributors, sellers and installers. They are expected to prevent 2,490 premature deaths and avoid 10,200 asthma cases. 'Consumers will continue to have a choice of purchasing either a gas or electric space/water heaters when replacing their existing units,' explained Nahal Mogharabi, a spokesperson for the air-quality district. 'Importantly, consumers can continue to operate their existing units until the consumer chooses to replace it or the unit breaks.' SoCalGas defended its role in the opposition campaign. 'SoCalGas' stakeholder engagement and outreach efforts on this topic are a regular part of any rulemaking process where we share information that could affect Southern California customers,' SoCalGas spokesperson Erica Berardi wrote in an email. BizFed, a business group that was also part of the opposition campaign, advocated for a delay in the rule-making process 'to allow for more transparency and sufficient public outreach to make Southern Californians aware of the significant costs associated with these changes,' Elizabeth Daubel, communications director for BizFed, wrote in an email. At the same time that the opposition campaign ramped up, groups allied with the gas industry filed a lawsuit against the SCAQMD, aiming to undermine its authority to impose such regulations. The opposition is far from unique; a February report by London-based think tank InfluenceMap found that fossil fuel companies in the United States, European Union and Australia are waging parallel campaigns against laws that restrict use of gas in buildings — pushback that has largely succeeded in preventing and weakening these laws. Ishida signed a letter supporting the proposed SCAQMD rules because she believes they would encourage Altadena to build back in a sustainable way. When she heard about the organized opposition to the rules, Ishida felt angry. 'They're just putting profits over people. They're not thinking long term. They're thinking short term. And they're not thinking very well for the next generation,' she said. 'It's sad and it's selfish and it's not right.' Although progressive states like California are leading the transition away from fossil fuels, gas appliances remain ubiquitous in California homes and across the western United States. The SCAQMD is responsible for air quality in much of Los Angeles County, Orange County and the western portions of San Bernardino and Riverside counties — a highly populated corner of the state. Buildings account for one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in California but are subject to local control, meaning that local regulators like the SCAQMD have a big role to play in lowering emissions. In 2023, recognizing the air pollution caused by gas appliances, the agency proposed amendments to two rules to encourage alternatives. Changes to Rules 1111 and 1121 would establish a zero-emission NOx standard for furnaces and water heaters. As originally written, the new rules would have impacted more than 10 million gas-fired residential and commercial furnaces and residential water heaters. The rules would not affect gas stoves, a flashpoint in similar regulatory efforts. The way they were written in October 2024, the proposed rules would have required that all furnaces and water heaters installed become zero-emission by 2026 for new residential and commercial buildings. Existing buildings and mobile homes had a few more years to comply. But in recent months, SCAQMD staff have softened the proposed rules. The current version now requires manufacturers to meet zero-emission sales targets for residential buildings, starting at 30% in 2027-28 and rising to 90% by 2036. The rule no longer requires that all new furnaces and water heaters be zero-emission by a certain date. The original rules would have reduced NOx emissions by 10 tons per day, which would have been the largest emission reducing rule package adopted in over three decades by the SCAQMD. The revised rules would achieve a reduction of 6 tons per day of NOx emissions. Kim Orbe, senior conservation program manager at Sierra Club, said pushing back the compliance date would allow manufacturers to continue building gas-powered equipment for years to come. She believes the weakened rules are not sending a strong enough signal to manufacturers to develop more heat pumps and other clean alternatives. '(Lobbyists) have slowed down that transition where it was supposed to be a zero emission rule,' Orbe said. 'So now it's not a zero emission rule. Now it's been tremendously weakened.' For the past two years, the draft rules have wound their way through a process to gather public feedback, including from impacted businesses like SoCalGas. The company sells methane, also known as natural gas, and has a history of lobbying hard against regulations that hurt its bottom line. In late 2024, an opposition campaign sprung up to push back against the rule changes. SCAQMD's board had originally scheduled a hearing on the rules for Dec. 6, but opposition groups raised concerns about public outreach and awareness, so staff sought additional input. The final board hearing and vote on the rules was pushed back by six months, to June 6, 2025. SoCalGas and groups aligned with the company helped delay the rulemaking process by encouraging public officials to oppose the rules, according to records obtained by the Energy and Policy Institute and shared with Floodlight. Ahead of a major SCAQMD meeting on Dec. 20, SoCalGas employees sent 'urgent' requests to public officials, including mayors of cities in the South Coast area, asking them to send letters, testify and pass resolutions opposing the rules. BizFed joined in the opposition. Their emails claimed — misleadingly — that the rules would prohibit the sale and installation of all gas furnaces and water heaters. On Dec. 9, a SoCalGas employee emailed a member of the Ontario City Council to encourage her to testify at the meeting, sending along SoCalGas talking points. The council member attended the meeting and testified against the rules. On Dec. 16, an official from the city of Lake Elsinore submitted a letter to the SCAQMD opposing the rules. The official then forwarded the letter to a SoCalGas employee who replied, 'Wow! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!' A day later, another SoCalGas employee emailed an official from the city of Norco, asking her to testify or submit a letter opposing the rules. He also sent her a sample letter. City officials replied with the opposition letter he had asked for. Some of the letters that SCAQMD received from public officials were drafted by a consultant working for BizFed. Several city governments copied the consultant's draft letter onto their letterhead. Almost word-for-word letters were sent to the SCAQMD by the Orange County Council of Governments, the city of Lake Forest and the city of Loma Linda. The consultant also sent elected officials a draft resolution that city councils could pass asking the SCAQMD to 'delay or cease' consideration of the rules. Loma Linda officials added the resolution to the City Council meeting agenda. At its Jan. 14 meeting, the city council passed the resolution opposing the rules. The response to the rules was overwhelming, generating over 12,500 comments. But staff reported that many letters opposing the rules contained faulty information, including that the rules would mandate homeowners switch to all-electric appliances. In response, staff released a 'myths versus facts' explainer on what the rules would do. The governing board delayed the vote and modified the rules to give more time for public outreach, and 'in response to concerns raised by stakeholders about cost, technology availability and consumer choice,' agency spokesperson Mogharabi wrote in an email. 'Even though the rule has been modified, as is typical during the rulemaking process, the current NOx reductions are significant,' she added. She noted that this summer, the agency is launching a Go Zero rebate program that will provide more than $21 million to help residents and small businesses install zero-emission heating appliances. Mogharabi said SCAQMD staff were not aware that BizFed, SoCalGas and others had emailed public officials to encourage them to submit letters, testify and pass resolutions opposing the rules. On Jan. 10, as unprecedented megafires burned out of control in Los Angeles — destroying thousands of homes and killing 30 people — SCAQMD officials held a public meeting to consider the proposed rules 1111 and 1121. The tone of the meeting was somber. Officials began by acknowledging the wildfires and smoke cloaking the city, offering condolences to a board member who lost his home to the flames. Minutes later, lobbyists including a representative of SoCalGas asked for the rules to be delayed or retracted, citing an active lawsuit that challenged the SCAQMD's authority to make such rules. Whitney Squire, CEO of the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors of California, said, 'We strongly urge the board to retract these additional proposed rules or at least postpone their implementation until the litigation reaches its conclusion.' She added, 'These rules, which effectively ban gas appliances, would pose significant financial burdens and disrupt the lives of countless individuals.' SoCalGas lobbyist Jessi Davis also spoke at the meeting. 'We think it would be prudent for the board to postpone this rulemaking until these issues are resolved by the courts,' she said. In December, as staff were receiving pushback to rules 1111 and 1121, a coalition of groups filed a lawsuit against the SCAQMD, seeking to overturn a related rule that phases out large gas-fired furnaces and water heaters in commercial and industrial facilities. The plaintiffs include the National Association of Home Builders, the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors of California and the California Restaurant Association. Other plaintiffs include Rinnai America Corp., which manufactures gas heaters, and unions representing pipefitters. SoCalGas is not a plaintiff in the lawsuit. The lawsuit aims to block enforcement of Rule 1146.2, which imposed a zero-emissions standard on large industrial boilers and water heaters. The lawsuit argues the rule is invalid under the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). That rule is different from the proposed rules, which are specific to smaller residential and commercial furnaces and water heaters. The lawsuit cites a previous court ruling that favored the gas industry. In 2019, the California Restaurant Association sued the city of Berkeley, arguing that its ban on gas in new buildings violated EPCA. The case was appealed up to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which sided with the plaintiffs and barred Berkeley from imposing its gas ban. In that case, the Reichman Jorgensen law firm represented the California Restaurant Association. As the firm fought the case, SoCalGas paid Reichman Jorgensen more than $4 million between 2020 and 2022, The Sacramento Bee reported. In the new lawsuit filed in December, one of the firms representing industry plaintiffs is Reichman Jorgensen. SoCalGas denied funding either the Berkeley lawsuit or the lawsuit related to Rule 1146.2. The new lawsuit poses a threat to SCAQMD's authority, according to Adrian Martinez, an attorney at Earthjustice, an environmental nonprofit that is intervening in the case. He said the plaintiffs are attempting to apply the Berkeley decision to the South Coast air-quality agency. 'The legal theories they're trying to push would undermine the ability of the (agency) to protect its residents,' he said. 'They're attempting to strip local entities like SCAQMD of the ability to clean up pollution.' Martinez, who attended the meeting, said the gas industry has the right to advocate for its position, but doing so during a climate emergency was 'morally reprehensible.' SCAQMD declined to comment on the pending litigation. As she considered how to rebuild in an environmentally-friendly way, Ishida received an email from SoCalGas offering to reconnect her gas service. Ishida has no plans to do that. 'We need to make it more available and easy for people to build back all-electric,' she said. With another wildfire season on the horizon, she is thinking about the future of Los Angeles. 'We're not going to be the only community that burns,' Ishida said. 'We're not going to be the last if we continue down this stretch.' Floodlight is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates the powerful interests stalling climate action.
