When California state biologists crested a sandbar along the Feather River on Tuesday morning, they expected to find at least some of the water that just a day before had raged through the channel, too deep to stand in – and plenty of fish needing to be rescued. Instead, to their chagrin, the flows powering […]
Federal water managers in California say they’ll provide many cities and farms their full water supply in a year of record rain and snowfall. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on Tuesday announced its initial allocations for a wet 2017 following five drought years. The vast system of reservoirs and canals irrigates three million acres of […]
President Trump stepped up his attack on federal environmental protections Tuesday, issuing an order directing his administration to begin the long process of rolling back sweeping clean water rules that were enacted by his predecessor. The order directing the Environmental Protection Agency to set about dismantling the Waters of the United States rule takes aim […]
The extraordinary turnaround in California’s water picture is becoming a windfall for farm country. Federal officials announced Tuesday that the 20 reservoirs that make up the Central Valley Project are so swollen with winter runoff that many growers will get all the water they requested this year — a remarkable change from the past few […]
The lead author in the House of Representatives of a big and controversial California water bill that passed last year is back for more. With a Republican in the White House and the GOP controlling Congress, Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., said Tuesday that he was hoping to build on last year’s legislation that was loved […]
The epic rainfall that has pummeled Southern California this winter has lifted the area out of extreme drought – and it’s also been great for air quality. Strong winds blow smoke, soot and particulates out of the L.A. basin, while rain rinses the air clean. This winter is the 7th wettest in Southern California since […]
Massive Fish Rescue Plays Out On Feather River After State Closes Damaged Oroville Dam Spillway
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Ryan SabalowWhen California state biologists crested a sandbar along the Feather River on Tuesday morning, they expected to find at least some of the water that just a day before had raged through the channel, too deep to stand in – and plenty of fish needing to be rescued. Instead, to their chagrin, the flows powering […]
Many Cities, Farms Getting Full Water Supplies, But Not All
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Associated Press (as published by U.S. News - Washington, D.C.)Federal water managers in California say they’ll provide many cities and farms their full water supply in a year of record rain and snowfall. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on Tuesday announced its initial allocations for a wet 2017 following five drought years. The vast system of reservoirs and canals irrigates three million acres of […]
Trump Directs EPA To Begin Dismantling Clean Water Rule
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Los Angeles Timesby Evan HalperPresident Trump stepped up his attack on federal environmental protections Tuesday, issuing an order directing his administration to begin the long process of rolling back sweeping clean water rules that were enacted by his predecessor. The order directing the Environmental Protection Agency to set about dismantling the Waters of the United States rule takes aim […]
California Farms Given Good News As Reservoirs Fill And Snowpack Builds
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /SFGate (San Francisco)by Kurtis AlexanderThe extraordinary turnaround in California’s water picture is becoming a windfall for farm country. Federal officials announced Tuesday that the 20 reservoirs that make up the Central Valley Project are so swollen with winter runoff that many growers will get all the water they requested this year — a remarkable change from the past few […]
California Water Bills Are Starting To Trickle Out On Capitol Hill
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Michael DoyleThe lead author in the House of Representatives of a big and controversial California water bill that passed last year is back for more. With a Republican in the White House and the GOP controlling Congress, Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., said Tuesday that he was hoping to build on last year’s legislation that was loved […]
Drought-Busting Winter Storms Have Another Upside: Cleaner Air
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /89.3 KPCC (Pasadena)by Emily GuerinThe epic rainfall that has pummeled Southern California this winter has lifted the area out of extreme drought – and it’s also been great for air quality. Strong winds blow smoke, soot and particulates out of the L.A. basin, while rain rinses the air clean. This winter is the 7th wettest in Southern California since […]