Overhead irrigation systems have revolutionized agriculture across the United States and in other parts of the world, using less water than furrow irrigation and requiring significantly less labor and maintenance than drip systems. But in California, the No. 1 agriculture state in the nation, it hasn’t gotten off the ground. That could be changing. University of […]
The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to the Senate energy bill that includes drought relief legislation introduced by California Republican congressman David Valadao. The House amendment to the Senate Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 passed by a 241 to 178 vote May 25. It includes Valadao’s legislation, the Western Water and American […]
The United Nations will be discussing recommendations from a new report about climate change-related loss and damage, including a case study of how the San Joaquin Valley is coping with drought, during the second UN Environment Assembly (UNEA2), May 23-27 in Nairobi, Kenya. The policy recommendations developed by Dr. Gil Harootunian, Fresno State director of […]
State water regulators are proposing to dismiss a record $1.5-million fine they intended to levy against a Northern California irrigation district accused of ignoring drought-related cuts in water diversions. The State Water Resources Control Board slapped the fine on the Byron Bethany Irrigation District last summer for continuing to divert supplies after the board ordered […]
Clouds need to condense around small particles called aerosols to form, and human aerosol pollution—primarily in the form of sulfuric acid—has made for cloudier skies. That’s why scientists have generally assumed Earth’s ancient skies were much sunnier than they are now. But today, three new studies show how naturally emitted gases from trees can also […]
Humboldt County’s winter and early spring rainfall could intensify the spread of the pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death (SOD) but the outcome won’t be known for another year or two. And while new areas of SOD infection weren’t identified in aerial surveys last year, the pathogen continues to spread in existing areas and it’s […]
Could Overhead Irrigation Work in California?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Western Farm PressOverhead irrigation systems have revolutionized agriculture across the United States and in other parts of the world, using less water than furrow irrigation and requiring significantly less labor and maintenance than drip systems. But in California, the No. 1 agriculture state in the nation, it hasn’t gotten off the ground. That could be changing. University of […]
House Passes Republican’s Drought Relief Amendment
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Packer (Lenexa, Kan.)by Mike HornickThe U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to the Senate energy bill that includes drought relief legislation introduced by California Republican congressman David Valadao. The House amendment to the Senate Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 passed by a 241 to 178 vote May 25. It includes Valadao’s legislation, the Western Water and American […]
UN to Discuss FSU Co-Authored Case Study of Drought
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Porterville RecorderThe United Nations will be discussing recommendations from a new report about climate change-related loss and damage, including a case study of how the San Joaquin Valley is coping with drought, during the second UN Environment Assembly (UNEA2), May 23-27 in Nairobi, Kenya. The policy recommendations developed by Dr. Gil Harootunian, Fresno State director of […]
Water Board Moves to Dismiss Record Fine Against Irrigation District
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Los Angeles Times by Bettina BoxallState water regulators are proposing to dismiss a record $1.5-million fine they intended to levy against a Northern California irrigation district accused of ignoring drought-related cuts in water diversions. The State Water Resources Control Board slapped the fine on the Byron Bethany Irrigation District last summer for continuing to divert supplies after the board ordered […]
Earth’s climate may not warm as quickly as expected, suggest new cloud studies
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Science Magazineby Tim WoganClouds need to condense around small particles called aerosols to form, and human aerosol pollution—primarily in the form of sulfuric acid—has made for cloudier skies. That’s why scientists have generally assumed Earth’s ancient skies were much sunnier than they are now. But today, three new studies show how naturally emitted gases from trees can also […]
El Nino Rains Could Boost Sudden Oak Death
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Anderson Valley Advertiserby Daniel MintzHumboldt County’s winter and early spring rainfall could intensify the spread of the pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death (SOD) but the outcome won’t be known for another year or two. And while new areas of SOD infection weren’t identified in aerial surveys last year, the pathogen continues to spread in existing areas and it’s […]