blog post Adapting to a Water-Scarce California By Ellen Hanak Jan 9, 2023 With the arrival of a series of atmospheric rivers, drought-weary Californians are now confronting the weather whiplash that’s a hallmark of our state’s climate. But the current deluge won’t erase California’s water challenges. PPIC Water Policy Center director Ellen Hanak reflects on what happened with California’s water in 2022—and explores how to manage the resource in our increasingly volatile climate.
blog post 2022 Year in Review By Mark Baldassare Dec 15, 2022 During the past year, California worked to rebound from the pandemic while confronting drought, inflation, an economic divide, and political polarization. President and CEO Mark Baldassare reflects on the role PPIC has played in helping identify equity-centered approaches to the challenges and opportunities facing our state.
Fact Sheet Water and Energy in California By Alvar Escriva-Bou, Gokce Sencan, Andrew Ayres Dec 5, 2022 Water and energy are closely entwined in California: the energy sector relies heavily on water for electricity generation, and statewide water use consumes a lot of energy. Our new fact sheet illuminates the connections between these two sectors, and explores ways to make both systems more resilient in the face of climate change.
blog post Video: Surplus and Shortage—California’s Water Balancing Act By Sarah Bardeen Nov 28, 2022 After three years of virtual events, our annual fall conference returned to an in-person format in Sacramento on Friday, November 18. The upshot? Good people, good food, and three vital panel discussions about managing water in California’s changing climate. Read our recap!
blog post Video: Solar Development in the San Joaquin Valley By Sarah Bardeen Nov 9, 2022 Last week, we gathered a panel of experts to debate the potential benefits and challenges of solar development in the San Joaquin Valley. Watch the event video to learn more about our new research—and to see a lively discussion about how solar might deliver lasting benefits to the region and the state.
blog post Commentary: How California Can Expand Solar Development and Support San Joaquin Valley Farmers By Andrew Ayres, Darcy Wheeles Nov 7, 2022 Can the San Joaquin Valley address its groundwater deficit while helping the state achieve its long-term clean energy goals—and invest in struggling communities at the same time? Our most recent CalMatters commentary argues that solar development, done right, could offer multiple benefits to a valley in transition.
event Solar Development in the San Joaquin Valley Nov 1, 2022 To balance the San Joaquin Valley’s groundwater basins, hundreds of thousands of acres of irrigated farmland may come out of production in the coming decades. Utility-scale solar development—already an attractive option for landowners—could help keep these lands economically productive, but it faces some obstacles. Can solar overcome these challenges and help support the region as a whole? Join us for an expert panel discussion.
Report Solar Energy and Groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley By Andrew Ayres, Annabelle Rosser, Ellen Hanak, Alvar Escriva-Bou ... Oct 25, 2022 Hundreds of thousands of acres of irrigated farmland may come out of production in the San Joaquin Valley in coming decades. At the same time, the state needs to ramp up renewable energy generation to meet climate goals. Could solar development on fallowed land help the valley’s residents? Our new report examines the challenges and opportunities.
blog post California’s Population Shifts May Lead to New Income Divides By Eric McGhee Aug 16, 2022 While housing costs are often cited as a reason for leaving California, they can also drive migration within the state—with potential consequences for income patterns across regions.
blog post Is SGMA Compatible with Farmland Preservation? By Annabelle Rosser Aug 15, 2022 The implementation of SGMA will prompt land use transitions throughout the San Joaquin Valley, raising questions about how the state's chief agricultural preservation policy - the Williamson Act - will come into play. Many alternate uses are likely to be compatible with the program, while others - namely solar – are more complex.
