blog post The Environmental Benefits of the Water Storage Investment Program By Gokce Sencan, Jeffrey Mount Sep 26, 2022 The Water Storage Investment Program is the first attempt use public funds to incentivize new water storage for the environment. While the program has faced some challenges, it could prove to be a useful model for future efforts—with some improvements.
blog post Commentary: Newsom’s Water Strategy Needs to Go a Step Further By Sarah Null, Jeffrey Mount Sep 8, 2022 Dams are essential to managing California’s water supply, but their construction and operation has harmed freshwater ecosystems. We propose a novel approach to water management that treats the environment as a priority rather than a constraint on reservoir operations—and that may help to manage growing threats to the health of our rivers and estuaries.
Report Storing Water for the Environment By Sarah Null, Jeffrey Mount, Brian Gray, Kristen Dybala ... Aug 22, 2022 Large reservoirs are essential for managing water in California’s highly variable climate—but over the years, the construction and operation of these reservoirs have had significant environmental costs. Our new research outlines how reservoir operations could be changed to improve the health of the state’s fragile freshwater ecosystems.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Storing Water for the Environment By Sarah Null, Jeffrey Mount, Brian Gray, Kristen Dybala ... Aug 22, 2022 To protect and restore California’s freshwater ecosystems and respond to the changing climate, California’s water managers must change how they operate reservoirs. Our policy brief offers recommendations for how to do this in a way that makes the most efficient use of scarce water for the environment while minimizing impacts on other water uses.
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.
blog post Californians See Air Pollution as a Problem and a Health Threat By Rachel Lawler Aug 10, 2022 An overwhelming majority of Californians say that air pollution is a problem, and most residents believe that it poses a threat to themselves and their immediate family.
blog post Commentary: Drought Requires New Strategies for Managing Cropland By Andrew Ayres, Caitlin Peterson Aug 9, 2022 With careful planning, research and development, and incentive programs, the San Joaquin Valley can avoid the worst consequences of land fallowing — and perhaps even create environmental and economic benefits.
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.
blog post Video: Californians and the Environment By Stephanie Barton Aug 4, 2022 Researchers Deja Thomas and Rachel Lawler discuss key findings from the latest PPIC Statewide Survey, which examines Californians’ views on drought, wildfires, climate change, and a range of other environmental issues.
blog post Anxious California Voters Will Weigh In on Climate Policy this Fall By Mark Baldassare Jul 27, 2022 Amid widespread public concern about the effects of climate change, a November ballot measure would provide funding for programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the tax on personal income over $2 million.
