Natural resources and environment reporter

Paul Rogers

Paul Rogers is the Bay Area News Group natural resources and environment reporter. He has covered a wide range of issues for The Mercury News and East Bay Times since 1989, including water, oceans, energy, logging, parks, endangered species, toxics and climate change. He also has worked as managing editor of the Science team at KQED, the PBS and NPR station in San Francisco, and has taught science writing at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz.

After months of gradually warming sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, NOAA officially issued an El Niño advisory Thursday and stated that this one might be different than the others.

Environment |
Here comes El Niño: It’s early, likely to be big, sloppy and add even more heat to a warming world

June 8, 2023 at 1:42 p.m.

After months of gradually warming sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, NOAA officially issued an El Niño advisory Thursday and stated that this one might be different than...

The Mist Trail is an iconic Yosemite hike that takes visitors up the Merced River past Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.

Environment |
Most popular hiking trail in Yosemite to receive a $5 million upgrade

May 22, 2023 at 8:23 a.m.

More than 4,000 people a day hike the Mist Trail on summer weekends; the park is looking to improve safety and education.

Environment |
Water whiplash: See how California’s drought disappeared in a few months

May 18, 2023 at 7:00 a.m.

U.S. Drought Monitor maps tracked the driest and wettest weeks.

El Niño conditions are growing in the Pacific Ocean

Environment |
El Niño is coming: What it means for California weather

May 11, 2023 at 5:56 p.m.

Ocean waters off South America are warming, with potential impacts for California temperatures and winter rainfall.

Water flows through the Oroville Spillway at Lake Oroville on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Butte County, Calif.

Environment |
Massive snowpack’s summer bonus: Clean, cheap electricity for California

May 9, 2023 at 4:41 p.m.

Full California reservoirs mean a big boost in hydropower, a major change from recent drought years

Sean de Guzman, manager of the California Department of Water Resources Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit

Environment |
California flooding: 80% of Sierra Nevada snowpack hasn’t melted yet

May 2, 2023 at 11:53 a.m.

Huge snowpack has begun to melt, but most of it -- and flood risk in the San Joaquin Valley and Tulare Basin -- remains.

The makers of all-electric eCascadia, made by Freightliner, say the Class 8 semi can go 230 miles on a full charge.

Environment |
California bans sale of diesel big rig trucks starting in 2036 in landmark air pollution rule

April 28, 2023 at 1:36 p.m.

Supporters say the rules are key to reducing smog, truckers say they are unrealistic and will cause disruptions

Rangers practice swift water rescue techniques on April 21, 2023, on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park.

Environment |
Yosemite Valley to close due to flood risk from melting Sierra snowpack

April 25, 2023 at 1:13 p.m.

Yosemite Valley hotels and campgrounds will shut from Friday night to Wednesday amid rising waters of the Merced River.

First responders assist a stalled car on flooded Avenue 56/County Road J22 near Central Valley Highway 43 east of Alpaugh in Tulare County on March 23, 2023.

Environment |
“Big melt” begins for Sierra Nevada snowpack

April 24, 2023 at 5:01 p.m.

Flood danger increases for Tulare Lake Basin area and Yosemite Valley as temperatures rise this week

Automobiles charge at a Tesla vehicle charging station in San Ramon, Calif.

Environment |
California hits ambitious goal for electric cars two years early

April 21, 2023 at 8:14 a.m.

Falling prices, longer range are making EVs more popular, but challenges remain

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