'Carbon tax' is sensible, and perhaps inevitable, advocate says

By Henry Chu

Dieter Helm of Oxford says climate change policy should focus not on carbon production, but carbon consumption. A tax on carbon-heavy activities places the emphasis where it belongs, he says.

Catalina bison going on birth control

By Louis Sahagun

The Catalina Island Conservancy has been rounding up the herd so females can get a reversible contraceptive vaccine. The goal: Control the size of the herd to keep it and the environment healthier.

Effects of judge's Katrina ruling could be huge

By Richard Fausset and Ralph Vartabedian

The finding that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is liable for much of the New Orleans flooding could change how levees are designed nationwide.

Jeanne-Claude dies at 74; collaborated with artist-husband Christo

By Dennis McLellan

The artists attracted attention for decades by wrapping buildings and with temporary environmental projects such as 'Running Fence' in California in the 1970s and 'The Gates' in New York City in 2005.

California approves new standards on energy-hungry TVs

By Marc Lifsher and Andrea Chang

The California Energy Commission votes 5-0 in favor of the nation's first efficiency regulations for televisions of up to 58 inches sold in the state. The stricter rules take effect Jan. 1, 2011.

Malibu mobile home park receives reduced fine for sewage spills

By Martha Groves

Paradise Cove has been ordered by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to pay only $54,500 of a $1.65-million penalty, a move that has angered a notable environmental group.

Study finds higher air pollution near Santa Monica Airport

By Dan Weikel

UCLA researchers find ultrafine particle emissions are 10 times higher than normal 300 feet from the runway -- a range that includes many homes. The study calls for larger buffers at urban airports.

San Bernardino County supervisor opposes solar energy project in Mojave Desert

By Louis Sahagun

Brad Mitzelfelt says the 4,000-acre system would provide jobs in Las Vegas and electricity in San Francisco, but negatively affect the desert's environment.

Wyoming antler collectors butt heads over proposed law

By DeeDee Correll

Wildlife officials are considering a January-through-April ban on antler gathering to help protect deer and elk from the harassment of humans. Some people chase the animals on ATVs.

Green Wave Energy is trying to turn wind power market on its axis

By Tiffany Hsu

The company and investors are banking on the unconventional design of its microturbines that can generate energy by capturing breezes from any direction.