California began regulating surface water in rivers and streams in 1914, but it took the state another 100 years to look underground. In 2014, for the first time in its history, California passed a law regulating the use of groundwater – the resource on which 85% of its population and much of its $50bn agriculture […]
California, as everyone knows, receives virtually all of its precipitation during a few fall and winter months and in 2019, some early rain and snow storms promised a bountiful water year. This year, Mother Nature kept that promise in Southern California, where precipitation is running at or above the normal, but Northern California — far […]
With unusually dry, hot weather continuing for weeks on end and the driest February in the Bay Area in 156 years, nearly a quarter of California’s land area now is under drought conditions, federal officials announced Thursday. Altogether, 23.3% of the state is in “moderate drought” — up from 9.5% last week, according to the […]
It shouldn’t have come to this. California has seen wars over water waged across time eternal it seems. Grand deals negotiated by the likes of former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have been hailed as long-dreamed-for solutions to the complicated battles waged by the competing interests of agriculture, environmentalists and thirsty urban areas, only to fail to live […]
After a week that saw President Donald Trump visit Bakersfield to pledge more water for Central Valley farmers and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration respond with a lawsuit, farmers and water agencies looked for ways to continue work on voluntary agreements intended to ease California’s water disputes. Trump announced his administration had finalized new federal rules […]
A bold new plan to protect California’s ocean ecosystem from climate change and prepare for sea-level rise was approved Wednesday, setting the stage for sweeping coastal restoration, trash cleanup, research and rule-making involving numerous state agencies. The strategic plan, adopted unanimously by the state’s Ocean Protection Council, is a blueprint for how state agencies should […]
Everything You Need to Know About California’s Historic Water Law
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Guardian by Susie CagleCalifornia began regulating surface water in rivers and streams in 1914, but it took the state another 100 years to look underground. In 2014, for the first time in its history, California passed a law regulating the use of groundwater – the resource on which 85% of its population and much of its $50bn agriculture […]
Opinion: Climate Change and Water Supply
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /CalMatters (Sacramento, Calif.)by Dan WaltersCalifornia, as everyone knows, receives virtually all of its precipitation during a few fall and winter months and in 2019, some early rain and snow storms promised a bountiful water year. This year, Mother Nature kept that promise in Southern California, where precipitation is running at or above the normal, but Northern California — far […]
California Drought: Northern California Having Driest February Since 1864
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.)by Paul RogersWith unusually dry, hot weather continuing for weeks on end and the driest February in the Bay Area in 156 years, nearly a quarter of California’s land area now is under drought conditions, federal officials announced Thursday. Altogether, 23.3% of the state is in “moderate drought” — up from 9.5% last week, according to the […]
Opinion: California Parties, Trump Administration Must Work Together on Grand Water Plan
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.)by The Desert Sun Editorial BoardIt shouldn’t have come to this. California has seen wars over water waged across time eternal it seems. Grand deals negotiated by the likes of former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have been hailed as long-dreamed-for solutions to the complicated battles waged by the competing interests of agriculture, environmentalists and thirsty urban areas, only to fail to live […]
Farmers Review Impact of Federal, State Water Actions
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Ag Alert (Sacramento, Calif.)by Christine SouzaAfter a week that saw President Donald Trump visit Bakersfield to pledge more water for Central Valley farmers and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration respond with a lawsuit, farmers and water agencies looked for ways to continue work on voluntary agreements intended to ease California’s water disputes. Trump announced his administration had finalized new federal rules […]
California’s New Plan to Deal With Climate Change, Sea-Level Rise OKd
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /San Francisco Chronicle by Peter FimriteA bold new plan to protect California’s ocean ecosystem from climate change and prepare for sea-level rise was approved Wednesday, setting the stage for sweeping coastal restoration, trash cleanup, research and rule-making involving numerous state agencies. The strategic plan, adopted unanimously by the state’s Ocean Protection Council, is a blueprint for how state agencies should […]