Report Water and the California Economy By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Richard Howitt, Brian Gray ... May 30, 2012 California’s economy can grow and prosper despite droughts and water shortages caused by a changing climate—but only if threats to the water system are addressed now. So far, innovative water management has supported the needs of a growing population but serious concerns remain, including water supply reliability and declining groundwater basins. This research was supported with funding from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
Report Transitions for the Delta Economy By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Richard Howitt, Josué Medellín-Azuara Jan 10, 2012 Enormous changes—from natural forces to management decisions—are coming to California’s fragile Delta region and will have broad effects on its residents. This report finds that in the first half of this century, the Delta as a whole is likely to experience a loss of 1 percent of economic activity as a result of these changes. It also identifies planning priorities for managing the Delta’s future. This research was supported with funding from the Watershed Sciences Center at UC Davis.
Report Managing California’s Water: From Conflict to Reconciliation By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Richard Howitt ... Feb 24, 2011 California has struggled to manage its water effectively for more than 30 years. Today, the state needs to consider a set of wide-ranging reforms—for the benefit of the economy and the environment.Executive Summary Full Report [PDF, 9.06 MB] To view individual chapters, click on the links below. Introduction Floods, Droughts, and Lawsuits: A Brief History of California Water Policy California Water Today Drivers of Change Urgent and Fundamental Challenges Reconciling Ecosystems: Reversing Declines in Native Species Orchestrating the Management of Water Scarcity, Quality, and Flooding Managing Water as a Public Commodity Effective and Adaptive Governance Pathways to Reform A Way Forward Technical Appendix: Managing California’s Water: Insights from Interviews with Water Policy Experts Interactive Map: California’s Water Quality Problems Map Image: California’s Variable Climate This research was supported with funding from S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Pisces Foundation, Resources Legacy Fund, and Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority.
Policy Brief Managing California’s Water: From Conflict to Reconciliation, Executive Summary Feb 23, 2011
Report Driving Change: Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled in California By Ellen Hanak, Louise Bedsworth, Jed Kolko Feb 17, 2011 Can Californians cut down on their driving? Encouraging job growth near transit stations will help. So will pursuing policies that raise the cost of driving. This report examines California’s progress in these and other areas, finding both opportunities and challenges ahead. This research was supported with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, as part of the California 2025 project on the state's future, and the David A. Coulter Family Foundation.
Report California Water Myths By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Richard Howitt ... Dec 8, 2009 California faces enormous challenges in establishing a sustainable path for water resource management. One challenge is the rhetoric surrounding major water issues in the state. This study highlights eight common water myths, focusing on water supply, ecosystems, and legal and governance issues. In combating these myths, the report sets the stage for a more informed approach to water policy and management. More information and additional myths can be found in Myths of California Water - Implications and Reality. Interactive Map: Per Capita Urban Water Use: 1960-2005 Interactive Feature: Virtual Tour (Center For Watershed Sciences, UC Davis) Supported with funding from S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Pisces Foundation, Resources Legacy Fund, and Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority.
Report Fixing the Delta: How Will We Pay for It? By Dean Misczynski Aug 11, 2009 This report examines the question of how to pay for urgently needed investments in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. For years, stakeholders have been at odds over beneficiary financing (charging those who use the water). But recent federal intervention to save endangered fish species and the decline of state and federal funding sources may finally break the impasse. This report situates the beneficiary payment debate in historical, legal, and political context. It also explores how this kind of financing might work for several “big ticket” items: water conveyance facilities, storage reservoirs, environmental mitigation, and levee improvements.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Jennifer Paluch, Dean Bonner, Sonja Petek Jul 29, 2009 Some findings of the current survey: Solid majorities of Californians favor government regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and policies to curb global warming. More Californians support than oppose expanding coastal oil drilling; even more favor improving fuel efficiency. Three in four Californians say the state should expand public transit and use existing transportation networks more efficiently—only 18 percent say the state should build more freeways. Job Approval Ratings: President Obama Governor Schwarzenegger California State Legislature Time Trends of Job Approval Ratings: President Obama Governor Schwarzenegger California State Legislature Mood of Californians: General Direction of Things in California Economic Outlook for California Time Trends for the Mood of Californians: General Direction of Things in California Economic Outlook for California This survey is supported with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
