Report Improving California’s Water Market By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Brian Gray, Gokce Sencan ... Sep 14, 2021 Water trading and banking will prove important tools to help California bring its groundwater basins into balance under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). A broad range of policy changes could help improve and expand California’s water market while protecting communities from harm.
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 Groundwater Management is Key to Adapting to Climate Change By Jeffrey Mount, Ellen Hanak Oct 30, 2018 Sustainable groundwater management is vital to adapting to a warmer future and should be a top policy priority for the next administration.
blog post Budgeting for Agricultural Sustainability and Resiliency By Lori Pottinger Jan 27, 2021 We talked to Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, about agricultural programs designed to build climate resilience and support farmers’ financial resilience and water security.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: The Future of Agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley By Alvar Escriva-Bou, Ellen Hanak, Spencer Cole, Josué Medellín-Azuara Feb 8, 2023 Agriculture is a key driver of the regional economy in the San Joaquin Valley, but water for irrigation is an ongoing—and growing—concern. Our latest research offers the most accurate, nuanced, and localized look at where fallowing may need to occur—and details the policy and management actions that could lead to better outcomes.
blog post Four Ways to Foster Cooperation over Groundwater By Ellen Hanak, Jelena Jezdimirovic Aug 6, 2018 New groundwater agencies face the difficult task of developing plans to bring their basins into balance. Cooperation will be key to success.
blog post Why Farming Needs the New Groundwater Law By Ellen Hanak, Sarge Green, David Zoldoske Jun 2, 2015 Declines in groundwater levels are causing problems around the state. The new groundwater law will help manage groundwater so that it’s available during droughts, when it’s most needed.
Report Managing Water and Farmland Transitions in the San Joaquin Valley By Ellen Hanak, Andrew Ayres, Caitlin Peterson, Alvar Escriva-Bou ... Sep 18, 2023 How can the San Joaquin Valley adapt to a future with less water? We’ve been researching this issue for the past seven years, and our new report presents highlights from we’ve learned, including a robust list of policy suggestions to help the valley weather—and make the most of—the coming changes.
blog post Learning the Language of Groundwater By Lori Pottinger Jun 18, 2019 Managing groundwater sustainably is a complex topic. Knowing the language is key to engaging in the conversation. This glossary can get you started.
