Serious water shortages on the Colorado River could be less than two years away, according to new federal estimates. Yet after 19 years of drought, just 500 farmers in one Arizona county may decide the fate of the entire Southwest: By holding tight to their own temporary water supply, they could stall a conservation plan […]
California Influencers, a group of the state’s most respected experts in public policy, politics and government, weighed in on this question: What is the biggest environmental challenge facing the state?
When a wall of flames raced up the hillside at Avalanche Creek on a recent afternoon, firefighters in Yosemite National Park had to act quickly. The giant Ferguson Fire was headed toward the south rim of Yosemite Valley, and if crews didn’t stop it here, the fire would open up on the edge of the […]
As students head back to class across California this month, many will sip water from school fountains or faucets that could contain high levels of lead. That’s because two-thirds of the state’s 1,026 school districts have not taken advantage of a free state testing program to determine whether the toxic metal is coming out of […]
With the state legislature returning from summer recess, the proposal to impose a statewide tax on drinking water could return before the end of the current legislative year on August 31. The proposed tax on drinking water was introduced in 2017 by Sen. Bill Monning (SB 623). The primary purpose of the bill was to […]
In the summer, all we talk about is rain. Walk into a diner or a barn, or just run into someone at the store, and the first question anyone asks – even before, “How are you?” – is, “Did you get any rain?” It’s the same in New Mexico as in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona […]
Why One Arizona County Could Upend the Southwest’s Drought Plan
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Gayle Falkenthal /Water Deeplyby Matt WeiserSerious water shortages on the Colorado River could be less than two years away, according to new federal estimates. Yet after 19 years of drought, just 500 farmers in one Arizona county may decide the fate of the entire Southwest: By holding tight to their own temporary water supply, they could stall a conservation plan […]
California’s Biggest Environmental Challengers? Water. Climate Change. Political Hot Air.
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Gayle Falkenthal /Sacramento Beeby Editorial StaffCalifornia Influencers, a group of the state’s most respected experts in public policy, politics and government, weighed in on this question: What is the biggest environmental challenge facing the state?
In California’s New Wildfire Reality, Facing the Need for Periodic Fires to Clear Fuel
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Gayle Falkenthal /San Francisco Chronicleby Curtis AlexanderWhen a wall of flames raced up the hillside at Avalanche Creek on a recent afternoon, firefighters in Yosemite National Park had to act quickly. The giant Ferguson Fire was headed toward the south rim of Yosemite Valley, and if crews didn’t stop it here, the fire would open up on the edge of the […]
Few California School Districts Have Tested Water for Lead, Even Though It’s Free
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Gayle Falkenthal /San Francisco Chronicleby Jill TuckerAs students head back to class across California this month, many will sip water from school fountains or faucets that could contain high levels of lead. That’s because two-thirds of the state’s 1,026 school districts have not taken advantage of a free state testing program to determine whether the toxic metal is coming out of […]
OPINION: The Observer: Keeping Both Eyes on Statewide Drinking Water Tax
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Gayle Falkenthal /Ukiah Daily Journalby Jim ShieldsWith the state legislature returning from summer recess, the proposal to impose a statewide tax on drinking water could return before the end of the current legislative year on August 31. The proposed tax on drinking water was introduced in 2017 by Sen. Bill Monning (SB 623). The primary purpose of the bill was to […]
How Ranchers Are Getting By With Less Water Across The West
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Gayle Falkenthal /Water Deeplyby Cassidy JohnstonIn the summer, all we talk about is rain. Walk into a diner or a barn, or just run into someone at the store, and the first question anyone asks – even before, “How are you?” – is, “Did you get any rain?” It’s the same in New Mexico as in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona […]