Environment
California drought: Water providers still predict shortages next year
Despite December storms, water supplies remain low in many areas. Some managers expect to impose severe restrictions on their customers.
drought
WhatMatters
A changing of the guard in Sacramento
Three days before California’s new state Legislature is set to be sworn into office — and to convene a special session focused on oil industry profits — it’s still not clear who will occupy two of the seats. As of Thursday evening, Democrat Christy Holstege and Republican Greg Wallis each had 50% of the vote […]
WhatMatters
As storm hits California, what about drought, wildfires?
Many Californians will wake up this morning to a relatively rare phenomenon: Rain. Today, the freezing-cold temperatures and high-powered winds that have gripped much of the state this week are set to give way to a good old-fashioned winter storm: Both Northern and Southern California are expecting rain, strong winds and heavy mountain snow, with […]
Environment
Rural ranchers face $4,000 proposed fine for violating state drought order
The penalty is the maximum the ranchers — who pumped Shasta River water for eight days — could face under state law. It amounts to about $50 per rancher, which is no deterrent, ranchers and officials agree.
Commentary
Expand solar development in the desert, not San Joaquin Valley farms
The San Joaquin Valley is home to some of the world's most fertile agricultural lands. Rather than fallowing farms for solar development, California should be investing in their survival.
Commentary
How climate change altered a longstanding Central Valley water reform
A 1992 federal law that established water and wildlife regulations for the Central Valley provides lessons for how to restore the Bay-Delta and salmon runs while ensuring water supplies in a changing climate.
Environment
How can California boost its water supply?
From capturing stormwater runoff to transforming agriculture, here are some ways for drought-prone California to get more water.
Commentary
Desalination will be key to California’s water future. It needs to improve first
Once improved, desalination could be a better drought solution for California than water reuse or more sustainable groundwater management.
Environment
A pivot on desalination plants: California approves project in Orange County
After rejecting a controversial proposal in Huntington Beach, the state Coastal Commission greenlights another in Dana Point. While environmentalists raised concerns, the commission calls it a well-planned project.
Environment
California offers to reduce imports of Colorado River water
Imperial Valley farmers and Southern California cities would get 9% less water from the Colorado River than the amount allocated under their senior rights.