After a lackluster amount of rainfall throughout the San Joaquin Valley in 2018, the recent end to the 2019 precipitation year was a welcome sight for community members wary of drought thanks to plenty of storms that brought above-average numbers. This past precipitation year, which began Sept. 1, 2018 and ended Aug. 31, 2019, saw […]
Since last November, when the Camp Fire almost completely destroyed the town of Paradise, the cancer-causing chemical benzene has tainted the town’s water, leaving it undrinkable. Now an independent team of scientists will begin testing for the carcinogen and other pollutants inside the houses that the fire left standing. “The main goal is to really […]
Following losses in court, a Fresno-based irrigation district has backed off its plans to do an environmental study on raising the height of Shasta Dam. The Westlands Water District announced Monday that it has stopped working on the report because it could not meet the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s schedule for the project. The bureau […]
Scientists are searching for pockets of ecological resistance in the face of climate change, places that seem to be warming less quickly than others due to unique natural conditions. The hope is that as the earth continues to get hotter, these “climate refugia” could serve as strongholds for plants and animals For a decade, scientists […]
We all walk on water. Not literally, but most Californians do walk over the water stored in the aquifers beneath our feet. This unseen resource is groundwater, which provides 40% of our water supply in normal years, and up to 60% of our supply in times of drought. With dry periods expected to increase in […]
For years, the Interior Department resisted proposals to raise the height of its towering Shasta Dam in Northern California. The department’s own scientists and researchers concluded that doing so would endanger rare plants and animals in the area, as well as the bald eagle, and devastate the West Coast’s salmon industry downstream.
2019 Water Year Sees Above-Average Rainfall
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Gayle Falkenthal /Turlock Journalby Angelina MartinAfter a lackluster amount of rainfall throughout the San Joaquin Valley in 2018, the recent end to the 2019 precipitation year was a welcome sight for community members wary of drought thanks to plenty of storms that brought above-average numbers. This past precipitation year, which began Sept. 1, 2018 and ended Aug. 31, 2019, saw […]
Paradise Residents Still Can’t Drink the Water
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /KQEDby Molly PetersonSince last November, when the Camp Fire almost completely destroyed the town of Paradise, the cancer-causing chemical benzene has tainted the town’s water, leaving it undrinkable. Now an independent team of scientists will begin testing for the carcinogen and other pollutants inside the houses that the fire left standing. “The main goal is to really […]
Future Uncertain For Shasta Dam Raising After Irrigation District Stops Work On Study
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Redding Record Searchlightby Damon ArthurFollowing losses in court, a Fresno-based irrigation district has backed off its plans to do an environmental study on raising the height of Shasta Dam. The Westlands Water District announced Monday that it has stopped working on the report because it could not meet the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s schedule for the project. The bureau […]
Where Animals And Plants Might Survive Climate Change
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /KQEDby Lauren SommerScientists are searching for pockets of ecological resistance in the face of climate change, places that seem to be warming less quickly than others due to unique natural conditions. The hope is that as the earth continues to get hotter, these “climate refugia” could serve as strongholds for plants and animals For a decade, scientists […]
Commentary: California Must Embrace Groundwater Management, And Expand It
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Napa Valley Register by Sandi MatsumotoWe all walk on water. Not literally, but most Californians do walk over the water stored in the aquifers beneath our feet. This unseen resource is groundwater, which provides 40% of our water supply in normal years, and up to 60% of our supply in times of drought. With dry periods expected to increase in […]
The Interior Secretary Wants to Enlarge a Dam. An Old Lobbying Client Would Benefit.
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Gayle Falkenthal /New York Timesby Coral DavenportFor years, the Interior Department resisted proposals to raise the height of its towering Shasta Dam in Northern California. The department’s own scientists and researchers concluded that doing so would endanger rare plants and animals in the area, as well as the bald eagle, and devastate the West Coast’s salmon industry downstream.