A new report commissioned by the Westlands Water District, the largest agricultural water district in the nation, concludes that water supply restrictions are reducing farm production and negatively impacting communities dependent on agriculture. “Unfortunately, government water policies are responsible for decline in farming and risks to the communities in the San Joaquin region,” said Johnny Amaral, […]
We are under a mandate from the state to reach certain milestones toward making all our California groundwater basins sustainable. Though that is a simplified version of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act passed in 2014, the reality is that this is a complex undertaking for the local agencies and advocacy organizations here in Monterey County. […]
Where would we all be without the bay? Well, not here, that’s for sure: It’s quite literally the defining characteristic of all of our diverse communities. Which is why it’s downright annoying to learn that, gallon by gallon, the rest of the state is gradually robbing us of it.The situation is much more complex than […]
Rain season 2016-17 has a good shot at once again providing enough water to slake Napa County’s thirst, though busting California’s five-year drought is a taller order. A multi-year drought could require a multi-year fix. State Department of Water Resources spokesman Doug Carlson said more than one normal rain year is probably needed. “An extremely […]
While not everyone might be upset by California-based drought expert and author John Austin’s recent observation that for trees and plants in California, “it is probably the worst 16-year period in more than 850 years,” it certainly sets off alarm bells for our organization. In fact, Austin’s haunting observation that we have entered a “new […]
Mark Cowin, director of the state Department of Water Resources, told water planners in Los Angeles on Monday that the state will not seek a federal subsidy for the Delta tunnels. Cowin’s comments came after tunnels opponents last month released a draft economic analysis of the project by economist David Sunding, a consultant for the […]
New report slams Valley water supply restrictions
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Fresno Business JournalA new report commissioned by the Westlands Water District, the largest agricultural water district in the nation, concludes that water supply restrictions are reducing farm production and negatively impacting communities dependent on agriculture. “Unfortunately, government water policies are responsible for decline in farming and risks to the communities in the San Joaquin region,” said Johnny Amaral, […]
OPINION: The Curious Case Of Groundwater Sustainability
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Salinas Californianby Norm GrootWe are under a mandate from the state to reach certain milestones toward making all our California groundwater basins sustainable. Though that is a simplified version of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act passed in 2014, the reality is that this is a complex undertaking for the local agencies and advocacy organizations here in Monterey County. […]
The Rest Of California Is Stealing Our Bay Water, Says Report
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Curbed San Franciscoby Adam BrinklowWhere would we all be without the bay? Well, not here, that’s for sure: It’s quite literally the defining characteristic of all of our diverse communities. Which is why it’s downright annoying to learn that, gallon by gallon, the rest of the state is gradually robbing us of it.The situation is much more complex than […]
How Much Rain Will Napa County Get This Winter?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Napa Valley Registerby Barry EberlingRain season 2016-17 has a good shot at once again providing enough water to slake Napa County’s thirst, though busting California’s five-year drought is a taller order. A multi-year drought could require a multi-year fix. State Department of Water Resources spokesman Doug Carlson said more than one normal rain year is probably needed. “An extremely […]
Environmental Impacts Of Western Drought Matter To Small Farmers
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Hill (Washington, D.C.)by Nathan HarkleroadWhile not everyone might be upset by California-based drought expert and author John Austin’s recent observation that for trees and plants in California, “it is probably the worst 16-year period in more than 850 years,” it certainly sets off alarm bells for our organization. In fact, Austin’s haunting observation that we have entered a “new […]
BLOG: Cowin on tunnels subsidy: ‘I can put that to rest’
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Stockton Record (eSanJoaquin Blog)by Alex BreitlerMark Cowin, director of the state Department of Water Resources, told water planners in Los Angeles on Monday that the state will not seek a federal subsidy for the Delta tunnels. Cowin’s comments came after tunnels opponents last month released a draft economic analysis of the project by economist David Sunding, a consultant for the […]