Molly Peterson Environment Reporter
- Phone: (626) 583-5153
Molly Peterson is an environment reporter who has won numerous awards for her work at Southern California Public Radio.
Molly has reported, edited, directed programs, and produced stories for NPR and NPR shows including "Day to Day" and KQED's "California Report." She was a contributing producer for Nick Spitzer's weekly music program, "American Routes," and reported for "Living on Earth" in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricanes Katrina & Rita. Prior to joining KPCC, she produced a nationally-distributed radio documentary about New Orleans called "Finding Solid Ground."
A former LA Press Club radio journalist of the year, Peterson reported on the faulty pumps installed at New Orleans canals after Hurricane Katrina. That project was a finalist for an Investigative Reporters and Editors award.
Peterson worked for NPR American legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg during the Clinton Impeachment.
She studied international politics at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, and graduated from UC Hastings College of the Law. She is an inactive member of the State Bar of California.
Peterson was lucky enough to grow up climbing northern California trees and fishing eastern Sierra waters.
Stories by Molly Peterson
Harvard health study suggests stressful environment worsens effects of dirty air
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health say that rats under chronic stress may be more vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution.
Villaraigosa, speaking about budget, defends gang programs
As the Los Angeles City Council prepares to consider L.A.'s budget for the upcoming year, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa held a press conference to say he strongly supports the Gang Reduction and Youth Development programs like Summer Night Lights. One proposal would reduce funding for the program $1.3 million - or about 8 percent.
LA leaders debate budget: layoffs looking imminent
Next week the Los Angeles City Council will tackle the work of cutting half a billion dollars from L.A.'s budget. L.A.'s mayor and the council have battled over the scope of the problem. But one thing’s looking certain: there will be hundreds of layoffs under any final budget plan. KPCC's Molly Peterson reports.
California Fish and Game sends response team to Gulf, BP spill
Researchers from California’s Department of Fish and Game are sending reinforcements to the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
EPA strengthens greenhouse gas limits for stationary sources
Federal environmental regulators say they will limit greenhouse gas emissions from the largest power plants and factories. KPCC's Molly Peterson reports that the federal Environmental Protection Agency proposed the rule as Congress considers climate legislation.
PG&E's 'smart meters' experiencing dumb problems; Edison says it won't happen in Southland
An investor-owned utility in Northern California has discovered that some of its new electronic "smart meters" don’t quite measure up. KPCC's Molly Peterson reports.
UCLA's Volokh says Kagan's scholarship is influential
American legal scholars are responding to President Obama’s naming solicitor general Elena Kagan to the US Supreme Court.
Seeking sustainable seafood and sushi: Greenpeace goes to grocery stores
A new survey from the environmental group Greenpeace looks at seafood sold at US grocery stores. It examines whether it’s “sustainable” seafood – or the product of overfishing. KPCC’s Molly Peterson went inside supermarkets and sushi restaurants with one of Greenpeace’s top sustainability experts to find out how the Southland sells seafood.
USC's John Peters, doctor and researcher, mourned
A longtime researcher at the University of Southern California has died. John Peters studied the health impacts of air pollution.
Family of Francisco Castaneda can't recover for his death, Supreme Court says
The federal government admits that its negligence worsened a prisoner's cancer that led to his death. But the US Supreme Court says the man's family in Southern California can't sue prison medical officers in charge of his treatment. KPCC's Molly Peterson has more.
Rotenone and chemical policy: fish kills and trout angling
I've been on an extended vacation for the last coupla weeks - including in New Orleans, about which I'll have something to say later. But as I re-enter my brain into my job, I noticed this Chicago Tribune story about plans to apply Rotenone to deal with Asian Carp - an invasive species in the Great Lakes region.
Mar Vista's second annual Green Garden Showcase shows off west side water conservation
The west side neighborhood of Mar Vista holds a "green garden" showcase for the second year in a row.
Poppies peaking in Antelope Valley
Poppies may be at their peak this weekend in the Antelope Valley, and the valley's golden poppy reserve and the city of Lancaster are fielding plenty of visitors for the spectacle.
Coastkeeper, Surfrider sue over Poseidon's desalination plant in Carlsbad
Construction's underway at a desalination plant in San Diego county, but Southern California environmental groups continue to challenge the plant in federal court. KPCC's Molly Peterson reports.
UCLA's Institute for the Environment gaining ground
With a green jobs boom predicted, more than a hundred U.S. colleges started environmental programs last year. Schools in Southern California have long had environment as a strong suit, going back 40 years, just like Earth Day. UCLA's four-year-old Institute for the Environment is growing in a climate warming to its subject matter.
