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Statewide Survey

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment

By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Alyssa Dykman, Rachel Lawler

Key findings from the current survey: Most Californians support policies to address climate change, including laws to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Two-thirds say air pollution is a serious threat, with Latinos and African Americans most likely to say it is a health concern. Majorities oppose offshore drilling and favor protecting marine sanctuaries. In light of COVID-19, 74% support always wearing masks in public.

Report

Managing California’s Water: From Conflict to Reconciliation

By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Richard Howitt ...

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


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.

Report

Who Should Be Allowed to Sell Water in California? Third-Party Issues and the Water Market

By Ellen Hanak

Although significant water trading has occurred in California since the drought of the early 1990s, many localities have restricted water transfers because of the perceived harm to other users and the local economy. In Who Should Be Allowed to Sell Water in California? Third-Party Issues and the Water Market, Ellen Hanak examines water transfers in California, local resistance to them, and various approaches to resolving water disputes. Drawing on a new database of water transfers as well as interviews with state, county, and water district officials, the report calls for water management at the local level that balances the interests of other residents and the potential gains from transfers.

Fact Sheet

Sea Level Rise in California

By Letitia Grenier, Gokce Sencan

Sea levels are rising, and Californians are already feeling the impact. Adaptation will require new forms of collaboration and coordination—as well as working with nature—to find solutions.

Report

Envisioning Futures for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, William Fleenor, Jeffrey Mount ...

California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is widely perceived to be in crisis today: its levee system is fragile, many of its native species are declining rapidly, and it lacks strong governing institutions to deal with its problems. In its current state, the Delta is unsustainable for almost all stakeholders. This report provides a comprehensive, scientifically up-to-date analysis and outlines several alternative management strategies for the Delta. To view individual chapters, click on the links below.

Summary
Introduction
The Legacies of Delta History
Drivers of Change Within the Delta
The Future of the Delta as an Aquatic Ecosystem
A Crisis of Confidence: Shifting Stakeholder Perspectives on the Delta
Water Supply Adaptations to Changes in Delta Management
Delta Options and Alternatives
Evaluating Delta Alternatives
Financing and Governing a Soft Landing
Conclusions and Recommendations
Maps (full-color)

Report

California’s Future

By Ellen Hanak, Laura Hill, Hans Johnson, Caroline Danielson ...

This multi-topic publication highlights the state’s most pressing long-term policy challenges in several key areas: criminal justice, economy, education, safety net, and water and a changing climate.

Statewide Survey

PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government

By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Alyssa Dykman, Lunna Lopes

Key findings from the current survey: In California’s gubernatorial race, Democrat Gavin Newsom solidifies his lead and Republican John Cox gains ground—but a quarter of likely voters are still undecided. In the US Senate race, Dianne Feinstein continues to lead Kevin de León by double digits. Immigration is the top issue likely voters want to hear gubernatorial candidates talk about between now and the June primary. Most likely voters would support state bonds for affordable housing and water infrastructure projects.

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