Climate change is a threat to our quality of life and our economy. The staggering costs of deepening droughts, water shortages, wildfires and epic storms will accrue until we take action. We know that excess greenhouse gases (GHG) cause climate change. We also know that we must aggressively cut GHG to prevent the worst impacts […]
A proposal to divert Colorado River water to Denver recently has won the endorsement of Gov. John Hickenlooper and the approval of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. But Denver Water’s Gross Reservoir expansion project may be just as notable for its general lack of opposition west of the Continental Divide. That’s thanks […]
With more predictions of drought-like conditions for California in the near future, it is difficult to find workable solutions when some politicians mislead the public at a critical time for our state’s water supply. It was especially alarming to hear that Donald Trump recently stood before a Central Valley audience to declare “there is no […]
Given the chance to police themselves after a wetter winter, Bakersfield’s five urban water districts are holstering their batons — relaxing or removing conservation standards while still preaching a message of saving water. Local water officials say that’s not a contradiction. They point out the State Water Resources Control Board decided in May to let local agencies […]
It’s time to fight fire with fire. Senate Bill 5 — the bane of Central Valley cities, counties, and property owners who have never flooded but now have to spend hundreds of millions on upgrades to protect against events that are considered small on the flood rating scale — came about in 2007. It was […]
A group representing powerful statewide business and water interests has filed a petition to ease Sacramento River fishing regulations for striped bass, a predator fish some blame for the demise of chinook salmon. The California Fish and Game Commission will consider the petition, which also includes changes to black bass regulations, during its meeting next […]
Environmental issues top of mind with readers
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Desert Sun (Palm Springs)Climate change is a threat to our quality of life and our economy. The staggering costs of deepening droughts, water shortages, wildfires and epic storms will accrue until we take action. We know that excess greenhouse gases (GHG) cause climate change. We also know that we must aggressively cut GHG to prevent the worst impacts […]
Area support of diversion plans runs wide, deep
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Daily Sentinel (Colorado)by Dennis WebbA proposal to divert Colorado River water to Denver recently has won the endorsement of Gov. John Hickenlooper and the approval of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. But Denver Water’s Gross Reservoir expansion project may be just as notable for its general lack of opposition west of the Continental Divide. That’s thanks […]
OPINION: United defense key to Delta’s future
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Stockton Recordby Jerry McNerneyWith more predictions of drought-like conditions for California in the near future, it is difficult to find workable solutions when some politicians mislead the public at a critical time for our state’s water supply. It was especially alarming to hear that Donald Trump recently stood before a Central Valley audience to declare “there is no […]
Water agencies relax penalties — but still urge conservation
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Bakersfield Californianby THEO DOUGLASGiven the chance to police themselves after a wetter winter, Bakersfield’s five urban water districts are holstering their batons — relaxing or removing conservation standards while still preaching a message of saving water. Local water officials say that’s not a contradiction. They point out the State Water Resources Control Board decided in May to let local agencies […]
California isn’t flooding; it’s burning
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Manteca Bulletinby Dennis Wyatt Quoted: Manteca BulletinIt’s time to fight fire with fire. Senate Bill 5 — the bane of Central Valley cities, counties, and property owners who have never flooded but now have to spend hundreds of millions on upgrades to protect against events that are considered small on the flood rating scale — came about in 2007. It was […]
Business, water interests seek to increase bass limits to help salmon
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Redding Record Searchlightby Damon ArthurA group representing powerful statewide business and water interests has filed a petition to ease Sacramento River fishing regulations for striped bass, a predator fish some blame for the demise of chinook salmon. The California Fish and Game Commission will consider the petition, which also includes changes to black bass regulations, during its meeting next […]