Sustainability — California battles blazes as scalding heat persists

Plus: The tough choice facing ranchers amid drought

View Online Sustainability Sustainability The Big Story  California battles blazes as scalding heat persists  Multiple brutal blazes are consuming California's heat-stricken hillsides, as a deceptively uneventful early summer gives way to wildfires.  © AP Photo/Eric Thayer As of Wednesday morning, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported five active incidents within its jurisdiction.    Wildfire season got a comparatively late start this year, after a flood-filled winter and subsequently cool spring helped delay any massive burns.       But now that the blazes have begun, they are tearing through overgrown slopes in tandem with a furious heat wave that is scalding the Golden State and much of the continental United States.   Residents of inland areas of California are facing the highest temperatures and should expect increasingly hot conditions this weekend, the Los Angeles branch of the National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Wednesday.    "Dangerously hot weather is likely between Friday and Sunday across the interior portions of the area," the forecast added.      Interior mountains and deserts should expect temperatures from 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit from Friday to Sunday, while coastal valleys will likely see a slightly more comfortable 95-105 degree range.     In neighboring Arizona, the capital Phoenix set a heat record for U.S. cities, with temperatures climbing to 117 degrees Fahrenheit by the afternoon, The Associated Press reported.    But in California, with such excessive heat also comes "elevated to brief critical fire weather conditions," according to the NWS.      This infernal combination is already gaining momentum across the state, particularly in Southern California's Riverside County, where the Rabbit Fire — now 55 percent contained — has burned 8,283 acres since it began on Friday.      Nearby, the Gavilan Fire has burned 338 acres since it started on Saturday and is now 70 percent contained.   The Juniper Fire in Central California's Fresno County, meanwhile, has burned 15 acres since it began on Tuesday and is 55 percent contained.      In Northern California, the Stony Fire and Lodoga Fire, which have burned 89 and 22 acres, respectively, since they began over the past few days, are 90 percent and 100 percent contained.    A time-lapse video captured by the University of California San Diego's ALERTCalifornia system — and published by the Los Angeles Times — shows the Rabbit Fire barreling through Moreno Valley with hellish force over several hours on Saturday.      The footage depicts both towering orange flames and bulging clouds of grayish smoke, as a yellowish haze settles over the firefighting vehicles.      "Cal Fire crews have been working around the clock to contain the Rabbit Fire since it ignited in Riverside County on Friday," an ABC7 broadcast reported on Tuesday.     Among those crews are inmates from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, whom Correctional Lt. Brian Sloat described as "the unseen heroes of the firefighter actions in the state."      There are approximately 1,800 inmates working with local, state and federal agencies to respond to incidents like the Rabbit Fire across California, according to ABC7.    With temperatures only expected to rise through the weekend, Cal Fire took to Twitter with a precautionary tweet on Tuesday — reminding Californians that "lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, tractors, and grinders can spark wildfires."     "One Less Spark = One Less Wildfire," the agency added. Welcome to The Hill's Sustainability newsletter, we're Saul Elbein and Sharon Udasin — every week we follow the latest moves in the growing battle over sustainability in the U.S. and around the world. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  Latest news impacting sustainability this week and beyond: Drought-driven shift away from hydropower is costing the US West billions of dollars: study Switching from hydropower to fossil fuels during periods of drought has cost Western U.S. states about $20 billion over the past two decades, according to new findings from Stanford University scientists. When reservoir levels and river flows succumb to dry heat, hydropower plants can no longer operate — meaning that utilities must kindle facilities that burn coal and natural gas to meet rising electricity demand. But the researchers …  Full Story 'Forever chemicals' and acids used in plastic production connected to poor pregnancy outcomes: study Cancer-linked "forever chemicals" and certain compounds used in plastic production may be associated with a heightened risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to a study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Exposure to these substances — which are all widespread in the San Francisco region — could carry an increased threat of gestational diabetes, life-threatening preeclampsia and pregnancy …  Full Story Debate rages over California coastal development amid housing crisis A California bill that could allow more homes to be quickly built in coastal areas has sparked a fierce legislative battle, as the state contends with a chronic housing shortage. The bill, which would expedite the development of multifamily housing, including in previously exempt coastal zones, overcame a significant hurdle this week, as the state legislature heads into a month of summer recess. Those in favor of …  Full Story Newsom launches free legal services pilot program for undocumented farmworkers California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) Wednesday unveiled a $4.5 million pilot program that will provide free immigration assistance to undocumented farmworkers involved in state labor investigations.  The program, which will be administered jointly by the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency and the Department of Social Services, will include case review services, legal advice and representation by an attorney, according …  Full Story 'Catch-22'  Drought means tough choice for ranchers: sell or pray  © Madeleine Monroe, The Hill / Getty / Adobe Stock As large swaths of the central U.S. face "extreme" drought conditions, cattle ranchers are eying the weather — facing the agonizing choice of whether to sell off their herds now or hold out for rain.    About half of the U.S. is "abnormally dry," with roughly a quarter of the country facing severe drought — the level at which crop losses are likely and water shortages become common, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System.    Overall, about 18 percent of the country is suffering from "extreme drought" — characterized by "major" crop and pasture losses and the beginning of water emergencies.    Spotlight on Missouri: Conditions are particularly worrying in Missouri, where a quarter of the state is under extreme drought.     For fourth-generation Missouri rancher Darvin Bentlage, there's still enough water for his cows to drink — for now.   One such rising cost is feed. Bentlage's cows generally graze on grass in the spring and summer, which he supplements with home-grown hay once the grass dies back in the winter.  But last year's drought killed off the grass so thoroughly that in August he had to feed his cattle hay for the first time in his 67 years. If it doesn't rain in the next two weeks, Bentlage said he thinks this year will be a similar situation — forcing him to consider selling off his herd.  The major problem facing ranchers: As Bentlage explained, he can no longer depend on his land to produce enough hay to feed his cows. This year's crop is marked by "spindly little plants," he said, noting that this means he'll likely have to buy feed this year, rather than growing it. That represents another cost in an era of rising inputs from fuel fertilizer and interest rates on his farm loans.  Prices are up: If Bentlage sells off his calves now, he can expect the best price in years, thanks in large part to last year's drought.   As the Great Plains withered in the summer of 2022, farmers sold off their cattle. The result is that the U.S. now has the smallest cattle herd in 60 years — which has driven prices up for those who have them.    That's a small consolation for Bentlage, who sold off half his herd last year.   "It's a Catch-22," he said. "The prices for calves are high, but what good is that if you don't have calves to sell?"   And the extra 30 percent he'd make per-calf this year over last "doesn't make up for what it's going to cost," Bentlage explained.     Tough math: For a farmer in his position, he said, the choice is stark.     "You really have to make that decision: liquidate, buy hay, move them to a different pasture — or cross your fingers and pray for rain," Bentlage added. "The stock ponds are still holding up, but they won't last much longer," Bentlage told The Hill. If they dry up, he'll have to pay to move the cows offsite to some place with water — adding to his already considerable input costs. On Our Radar  Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: The United Nations' Food Systems Summit will take place next week in Rome, hosted by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. The gathering will provide a space for countries to identify successes, bottlenecks and goals linked to the transformation of global food systems into sustainable, healthy, equitable and resilient sectors, according to the organizers. In Other News  Branch out with different reads from The Hill: State of emergency declared in Hawaii as tropical storm brings heavy rain, strong winds Hawaii is under a state of emergency after Tropical Storm Calvin hit the Big Island overnight. Full Story Around The Nation  Local and state headlines on sustainability issues: 116 degrees at night: Death Valley's extreme heat goes off the charts from climate change (The Los Angeles Times)  As seas get hotter, South Florida gets slammed by an ocean heat wave (NPR/WLRN)  Got Seaweed? Could kelp help New England's declining seafood industry, climate change (Concord Monitor/Granite State News Collaborative)  What We're Reading  Sustainability news we've flagged from other outlets: China's Grand Vision for a Vast Rail Network Transforms a Neighboring Country (The Wall Street Journal)  Facing a Future of Drought, Spain Turns to Medieval Solutions and 'Ancient Wisdom' (The New York Times)  As water shortages intensify Iran's heat wave, authorities shift blame (The Washington Post)  What Others are Reading  More stories on The Hill right now: Service charge vs. tip: What's the difference? It might be labeled a "living wage fee," which helps the restaurant better pay staff that don't traditionally receive tips. Some businesses have added a health care surcharge to help cover the cost of offering employees benefits. Some restaurants added service charges to cover COVID-related costs, such as PPE. More rarely you might encounter … Read more Remote work poses risks to physical health Story at a glance Health experts worry about the physical toll remote work might have on some people. Their main concern is that remote work promotes a more sedentary lifestyle, which can contribute to blood clots, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Remote work can also lead to increased eyestrain and make it easier … Read more What People Think  Opinions related to sustainability submitted to The Hill: Want to see how states can maximize federal clean energy investments? Look to Colorado False 'greenwash' solutions won't help — we need to eliminate our use of plastics There is no 'new normal': absent drastic action, the climate will only get worse   You're all caught up. See you next week!  Check out The Hill's Sustainability page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? 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