As Americans across the country scrambled to get their taxes filed before the midnight deadline last month, many homeowners found themselves with a new reason to feel frustrated. Their complaint: they may have been hit with a higher tax bill just for working with their local water utility to reduce their water footprint over the […]
With a long-term drought plaguing much of California and Northern Nevada, the agriculture industry is adjusting and innovating. “[The drought] is one of the worst we’ve had in history,” said UC Davis Professor and watershed expert Jay Lund. “In some ways, particularly up in the watersheds, because it’s been extra warm, it’s among the driest in […]
California’s two Democratic senators remain somewhat out of sync over proposed water legislation, underscoring its ambiguous future on the eve of a big hearing. Four months after Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s introduction of her latest California water package, Sen. Barbara Boxer is still evaluating the 185-page bill. Her wait-and-see attitude hints at complex undercurrents, as she […]
In a potential sign the drought is easing, the massive water wholesaler in Southern California is no longer planning to limit its regional water deliveries. “Effective immediately, the Southland cities and water districts that make purchases from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California [MWD] will no longer be subjected to so-called allocations or the […]
Drought is a tricky thing to define. It is not just a matter of how little water falls out of the sky. If it were, you would be forgiven for believing that California’s wettish winter had ended, or even alleviated, the worst drought in state history. But no. Despite the snow in the Sierra Nevada, […]
The completion of the state of Colorado’s Water Plan on November 19, 2015 reflects a growing trend in western water management away from conflict and towards collaborative discussion. Increasingly, western water managers are opting to pursue more creative, coordinated solutions to complex water issues, built on broad-based stakeholder participation.
BLOG: Don’t Punish Taxpayers for Smart, Water Efficient Choices
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Hill (Washington, D.C.)by By Jared Huffman and Dana RohrabacherAs Americans across the country scrambled to get their taxes filed before the midnight deadline last month, many homeowners found themselves with a new reason to feel frustrated. Their complaint: they may have been hit with a higher tax bill just for working with their local water utility to reduce their water footprint over the […]
Drought Causing Challenges in Agriculture, Though Profits Remain High
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Ely Times (Ely, Nev.)by By Ben RowleyWith a long-term drought plaguing much of California and Northern Nevada, the agriculture industry is adjusting and innovating. “[The drought] is one of the worst we’ve had in history,” said UC Davis Professor and watershed expert Jay Lund. “In some ways, particularly up in the watersheds, because it’s been extra warm, it’s among the driest in […]
A Question for the Ages: Can Congress Pass a California Water Bill?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby By Michael DoyleCalifornia’s two Democratic senators remain somewhat out of sync over proposed water legislation, underscoring its ambiguous future on the eve of a big hearing. Four months after Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s introduction of her latest California water package, Sen. Barbara Boxer is still evaluating the 185-page bill. Her wait-and-see attitude hints at complex undercurrents, as she […]
BLOG: Major Policy Shift By SoCal Water District Signals Receding Drought
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water OnlineIn a potential sign the drought is easing, the massive water wholesaler in Southern California is no longer planning to limit its regional water deliveries. “Effective immediately, the Southland cities and water districts that make purchases from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California [MWD] will no longer be subjected to so-called allocations or the […]
Thanks El Niño, but California’s Drought is Probably Forever
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Wired (Boone, Iowa)by By Nick StocktonDrought is a tricky thing to define. It is not just a matter of how little water falls out of the sky. If it were, you would be forgiven for believing that California’s wettish winter had ended, or even alleviated, the worst drought in state history. But no. Despite the snow in the Sierra Nevada, […]
Colorado’s State Water Plan Reflects Changing Attitudes Towards Western Water Management
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The National Law Review (Western Springs, Ill.)The completion of the state of Colorado’s Water Plan on November 19, 2015 reflects a growing trend in western water management away from conflict and towards collaborative discussion. Increasingly, western water managers are opting to pursue more creative, coordinated solutions to complex water issues, built on broad-based stakeholder participation.