Supporters say: The goal is to limit the money that fossil fuel companies have to build new projects or push for favorable legislation.Now Senate Bill 252, which would force California’s two largest public pension funds to stop investing in major fossil fuel companies, is making its way through the legislature, while tools to help individuals divest grow. How it works: Climate activists want individuals, agencies and companies to stop all investments in oil and gas companies, from pension funds to their choice in banks.Where the idea stands: Lawmakers have until June 15 to approve the budget and related trailer bills, for Newsom to sign by June 30.And they’re particularly opposed to making the changes through the fast-tracked budget process, as is being considered now, with more opportunity for public input and debate in the traditional legislative process. They argue that some of Newsom’s proposals would go too far in weakening the important law.

Opponents say: Environmental groups say the law has blocked or forced changes for hundreds of projects that would have worsened air, water and soil pollution and caused other problems that disproportionately affect the state’s most vulnerable residents.Newsom’s plan would limit how long courts could spend debating some projects, lessen required paperwork and carve out more exemptions to speed up clean energy projects. Supporters say: Some business groups and local governments say CEQA as it stands creates too many barriers for projects such as housing and infrastructure to advance.The law requires decision-makers to evaluate the environmental impact of most proposed projects in the state, disclose any significant potential effects to the public and take steps to mitigate them as much as is feasible. Gavin Newsom is pitching a plan to streamline the 53-year-old California Environmental Quality Act. The teams behind the projects are sharing positive results, with goals to expand their efforts and inspire similar projects in other areas. Where the idea stands: Two pilot grazing projects are underway in eastern Orange County now.So many environmental groups see such programs as little more than the industry’s attempt at self preservation, as calls to reduce beef consumption for the sake of the planet increase. Also, a number of studies have shown these sorts of holistic grazing programs aren’t particularly effective. Opponents say: Grass-fed cows still emit lots of planet-warming methane.And they fertilize the soil with their urine and dung, which encourages healthy microbes to grow more plants and to sink more carbon.

Meanwhile, the heavy animals churn the soil with their hooves, which prevents erosion. That clears the way for later-blooming native grasses and other vegetation to pop through as the animals move on. The animals eat non-native plants, which tend to sprout first and increase wildfire danger.

Supporters say: The system replicates the benefits that herds of hoofed animals, such as buffalo and elk, once provided for soil and habitats.

How it works: Instead of raising factory-farmed cattle that require lots of resources, cows are made to strategically graze on natural vegetation, with limited time in each area.

It was one of three controversial tools to address climate change being discussed at the local or state level that I wrote about over the past week. This week, I talked with “Orange County’s last cowboy” about his mission to prove that raising cattle differently can help them become part of the solution rather than just part of the problem. That’s because 56% of water in the Colorado River basin is used to grow crops just to feed livestock. Two weeks ago, I ended this newsletter with a tip that said Composters could help California conserve water by eating less beef. Subscribe now to get it in your inbox! In today’s edition… Welcome to The Compost, a weekly newsletter on key environmental news impacting Southern California.

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