blog post Connecting the Drops in Watershed Management By Lori Pottinger Feb 12, 2019 The Yuba Water Agency manages its watershed for hydropower, water supply, flood control, and ecosystem health. We talked to the agency’s manager, Curt Aikens, about lessons learned from this integrated approach.
press release Preparing for the Inevitable: State Global Warming Strategy Needs To Plan for Climate Change Nov 17, 2008
blog post Maximizing Benefits of Solar Development in the San Joaquin Valley By Annabelle Rosser, Mitchelle De Leon May 9, 2022 Solar development offers one promising way to soften the economic blow as more irrigated farmland comes out of production in the San Joaquin Valley. We met with a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss how to maximize benefits—and mitigate potential harm.
Report California’s Natural Resource Programs: Where Does the Money Come From and Where Does It Go? By Fred Silva Jul 1, 2002 This report analyzes natural resource priorities by reviewing program expenditures and revenues between fiscal years 1978-79 and 2000-01. It finds that, with the exception of 2000-2001, the percentage of total state spending directed to natural resources has been declining. It also finds that, until 1999, allocations for resource conservation grew compared to those devoted to resource development and resource-related public safety. Finally, the data show that general fund allocations for natural resource programs declined over the study period, but that this funding was largely replaced by special funds earmarked for specific purposes.
Report Building Drought Resilience in California’s Cities and Suburbs By David Mitchell, Ellen Hanak, Ken Baerenklau, Alvar Escriva-Bou ... Jun 12, 2017 California’s urban water suppliers have become increasingly adept at drought management thanks to investments in diverse supplies, cooperative efforts with neighbors, and programs to manage water demand. But in the face of extreme hot and dry conditions, questions arose over preparedness for ongoing drought, and the state took the unprecedented step of ordering mandatory water conservation in 2015. This report looks at evolving state and local roles in managing urban water supply during drought, and lessons to help us better prepare for droughts of the future. This research was supported with funding from California Water Service, the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
blog post Better Information Can Help the Environment By Henry McCann, Alvar Escriva-Bou Apr 26, 2017 Better water accounting systems, such as those used in other arid places, could improve our understanding and management of California's aquatic ecosystems.
blog post A Look Back at the Year in Water Policy By Ellen Hanak Jan 9, 2018 California’s year of extremes demonstrated the impact of our variable climate on water management. The PPIC Water Policy Center responded.
blog post New Water Laws Address Groundwater, Marijuana By Caitrin Chappelle, Henry McCann Oct 15, 2015 Two recent bill packages took important steps toward improving groundwater management and reducing the negative environmental impacts of marijuana farming.
blog post Californians Want the Government to Do More about Drought, Wildfires, and Climate Change By Deja Thomas, Caitlin Peterson Aug 8, 2022 Californians voiced continued concern over water supply, wildfire, and climate issues in this year’s survey on the environment. And while actions are underway, many think that the state could do more to combat these issues swiftly.
