The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station near San Clemente was closed about two years ago because of safety flaws in steam generators that caused a small radioactive leak. But that wasn't the end of the story. What was to be done with nuclear waste stored at the plant, and who would pay for it? Who would bear the economic loss of shutting San Onofre a decade before the end of its expected operation?

Sierra magazine, the official publication of the Sierra Club, on Aug. 11 released its ninth annual “Cool Schools” ranking of America’s greenest colleges and universities. Each of the schools ranked in the top 20 have displayed a deep and thorough commitment to protecting the environment, addressing climate issues, and encouraging environmental responsibility.

The August 2015 Schedule of Activities list hikes, outings and events you can go to all month. Download you copy here.

Steve Anderson, an Angeles Chapter leader and co-chair of the Camera Committee, has been selected as an artist-in-residence for the Angeles National Forest and the newly minted San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. What does that mean?

It means Anderson will continue to be passionate about the local mountains and share his enthusiasm with others. "I think it is the job of everyone who enjoys our local mountains and forests to pass along the need to protect them as well as enjoy them, as is written in the Sierra Club motto," he says.

The Sierra Club Youth Summer Grassroots Training also known as SPROG made its way West this year to Southern California. The activist training for young people was held at Harwood Lodge in the Mt. Baldy area from July 12 to 19.

More and more Americans are taking responsibility for their personal contribution to global climate change by driving fuel efficient cars, insulating their homes and switching to energy efficient lighting and household appliances.

Seven Sierra Club leaders, including ICO's Shirley Hickman, took 70 Los Angeles middle school students to Catalina Island over Memorial Day weekend. The point? To camp, share and enjoy the outdoors. Here's what that trip looked like: