How bad is California’s drought? Bad enough to make farmers turn to tequila. About 40 farmers and distillers gathered last week at an inaugural agave symposium at the University of California, Davis, to explore the prospects of growing agave in California and making alcohol from it.
California’s jurisdictions have begun reducing organic wastes under a new composting law that takes effect in 2025, changing the landscape of waste management and making compost more accessible to farmers and cities alike. Senate Bill 1383, passed in 2016 to curtail emissions of methane and other “super pollutants,” requires local governments in California to reduce […]
With temperatures heating up, it might be tempting to take a dip in the river or let your dog dehydrate at the shore after a walk, but you might want to think twice. Toxic blue-green algae, known for causing negative health effects in people and animals who’ve been exposed to it, has bloomed in central […]
As a worsening drought forces millions of Californians to face mandatory water restrictions, one corner of Southern California has largely shielded itself from supply-related woes: San Diego County. For Western water planners, the path it took to get there serves either as a blueprint or a cautionary tale. Over the past three decades, San Diego County diversified […]
Lake Mead, the lifeblood of the West, is at an all-time low. And just this week, officials said it will fall by one-third of its current level by the end of 2023. Inch by inch, the lake is falling. We’re seeing incredible images of sunken boats now visible.
To some, it defies common sense. California is once again in the middle of a punishing drought with state leaders telling people to take shorter showers and do fewer loads of laundry to conserve water. Yet at the same time, many of the same elected officials, pledging to solve the housing crisis, are pushing for […]
California Farmers’ Tequila Dreams
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Politicoby Debra KahnHow bad is California’s drought? Bad enough to make farmers turn to tequila. About 40 farmers and distillers gathered last week at an inaugural agave symposium at the University of California, Davis, to explore the prospects of growing agave in California and making alcohol from it.
California Gears Up for a New Composting Law to Cut Methane Emissions and Enrich Soil
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Inside Climate Newsby Grace van DeelenCalifornia’s jurisdictions have begun reducing organic wastes under a new composting law that takes effect in 2025, changing the landscape of waste management and making compost more accessible to farmers and cities alike. Senate Bill 1383, passed in 2016 to curtail emissions of methane and other “super pollutants,” requires local governments in California to reduce […]
Toxic Blue-Green Algae That Can Kill Dogs Spotted in California. How to Identify and Avoid It
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Hanh TruongWith temperatures heating up, it might be tempting to take a dip in the river or let your dog dehydrate at the shore after a walk, but you might want to think twice. Toxic blue-green algae, known for causing negative health effects in people and animals who’ve been exposed to it, has bloomed in central […]
How San Diego Secured its Water Supply, at a Cost
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /AP Newsby Suman Naishadham Quoted: San Diego County Water AuthorityAs a worsening drought forces millions of Californians to face mandatory water restrictions, one corner of Southern California has largely shielded itself from supply-related woes: San Diego County. For Western water planners, the path it took to get there serves either as a blueprint or a cautionary tale. Over the past three decades, San Diego County diversified […]
Former Southern Nevada Water Authority Chief ‘Very Worried’ About Lake Mead Level
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /KNPRby Christopher Alvarez and Kristen DeSilvaLake Mead, the lifeblood of the West, is at an all-time low. And just this week, officials said it will fall by one-third of its current level by the end of 2023. Inch by inch, the lake is falling. We’re seeing incredible images of sunken boats now visible.
Does California Have Enough Water for Lots of New Homes? Yes, Experts Say, Despite Drought
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Los Angeles Timesby Liam DillonTo some, it defies common sense. California is once again in the middle of a punishing drought with state leaders telling people to take shorter showers and do fewer loads of laundry to conserve water. Yet at the same time, many of the same elected officials, pledging to solve the housing crisis, are pushing for […]