Just before wrapping up the second session of the 114th Congress, the House and Senate approved the Farm Bureau-supported Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act (S.612). The measure includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which authorizes investment in America’s ports, channels, locks, dams and other infrastructure that supports the maritime and […]
There are many reasons to be skeptical about a federal water bill that is sitting on President Barack Obama’s desk, but the biggest reason is this: We don’t trust a bunch of politicians to solve such a complex problem. Congress appears willing to sacrifice a few types of fish so that farmers can continue to […]
Urging her fellow lawmakers to pass a bill that would send more of California’s water to the arid farm fields of the San Joaquin Valley, Sen. Dianne Feinstein gave an impassioned speech Friday about the threat facing family farmers. “These water supplies are not for big corporate agriculture, as some would have you think,” said […]
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife declared Pyramid Lake in Southern California infested with quagga mussels. The announcement came after indications of the invasive species were discovered in a Los Angeles tunnel. The finding marks the first time quagga mussels have been found in the State Water Project. Thus far education and enforcement efforts […]
This summer. Donald Trump visited the Central Valley and promised voters he would prioritize agricultural development in California. In his speech, the president-elect blamed the environmental laws protecting a “certain three-inch fish“—the Delta smelt—for the prolonged drought. He promised, if elected, to place the needs of farmers over fish. But it looks like his promise […]
Enjoy your dry Monday, but don’t get too used to the non-rainy weather we’re experiencing across the Bay Area. Forecasters far and wide and their mathematical models expect the coming week to range from wet to inundated, depending on where you live. The latest thinking from National Weather Service forecasters is that the next round […]
Waterways Infrastructure Bill Ready For President’s Signature
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee / American Farm Bureau Federation (Washington D.C.)Just before wrapping up the second session of the 114th Congress, the House and Senate approved the Farm Bureau-supported Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act (S.612). The measure includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which authorizes investment in America’s ports, channels, locks, dams and other infrastructure that supports the maritime and […]
OPINION: Federal Water Bill Points To More Trouble
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Daily Democrat (Woodland)There are many reasons to be skeptical about a federal water bill that is sitting on President Barack Obama’s desk, but the biggest reason is this: We don’t trust a bunch of politicians to solve such a complex problem. Congress appears willing to sacrifice a few types of fish so that farmers can continue to […]
Fact Check: Feinstein Way Off the Mark When She Said ‘Tens of Thousands’ of California Farmers Going Bankrupt
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Ryan Sabalow and Dale KaslerUrging her fellow lawmakers to pass a bill that would send more of California’s water to the arid farm fields of the San Joaquin Valley, Sen. Dianne Feinstein gave an impassioned speech Friday about the threat facing family farmers. “These water supplies are not for big corporate agriculture, as some would have you think,” said […]
Quagga Mussels Found In State Water Project
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Lake County Record-Bee (Lakeport)The California Department of Fish and Wildlife declared Pyramid Lake in Southern California infested with quagga mussels. The announcement came after indications of the invasive species were discovered in a Los Angeles tunnel. The finding marks the first time quagga mussels have been found in the State Water Project. Thus far education and enforcement efforts […]
The Drought-Busting Bill Congress Just Passed Might Screw the Endangered Species Act
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Wired (Boone, IA) by Marley WalkerThis summer. Donald Trump visited the Central Valley and promised voters he would prioritize agricultural development in California. In his speech, the president-elect blamed the environmental laws protecting a “certain three-inch fish“—the Delta smelt—for the prolonged drought. He promised, if elected, to place the needs of farmers over fish. But it looks like his promise […]
After a Short Break, Northern California in for Rainy Week
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KQEDby Dan BrekkeEnjoy your dry Monday, but don’t get too used to the non-rainy weather we’re experiencing across the Bay Area. Forecasters far and wide and their mathematical models expect the coming week to range from wet to inundated, depending on where you live. The latest thinking from National Weather Service forecasters is that the next round […]