Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Jul 27, 2022 Key findings include: Three in ten Californians name water supply and drought as the state’s top environmental issue; nearly seven in ten say the water supply is a big problem in their part of the state. More than half of Californians say higher gas prices have caused financial hardship, and more than four in ten are upset about the current rate of inflation. Most Californians oppose offshore drilling, and an overwhelming majority want to prioritize alternative energy over oil, coal, and natural gas. But views are divided along party lines. Democrats are much more likely than independents and Republicans to support key state climate change policies.
Report Exploring the Potential for Water-Limited Agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley By Caitlin Peterson, Cameron Pittelkow, Mark Lundy Jul 20, 2022 As irrigated farmland comes out of production in the San Joaquin Valley, valley residents will face increased pests, weeds, and dust—as well as a loss of employment and economic activity. Water-limited cropping is one alternative to fallowing that can improve soil health and air quality, create habitat, and keep land in production.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Drought and California’s Agriculture By Alvar Escriva-Bou, Josué Medellín-Azuara, Ellen Hanak, John Abatzoglou Apr 13, 2022 California’s agricultural sector is the nation’s largest: it generates more than $50 billion dollars in annual revenue and employs more than 420,000 people. The ongoing drought is taking a toll on agriculture, related sectors, and rural communities, but there are ways to increase resilience in a warming world.
blog post Most Support California’s Leadership in Climate Change Policy By Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Nov 3, 2021 A majority of Californians believe that climate change has contributed to droughts and wildfires, and seven in ten value the state’s leadership on climate change.
blog post Improving COVID Vaccine Equity in California By Shannon McConville Oct 12, 2021 While California has made good progress on vaccination rates overall, there are large differences across communities. Rates are lower among Medi-Cal enrollees, residents in predominantly Latino neighborhoods, and residents in high-poverty neighborhoods.
blog post Most Californians Oppose More Offshore Oil Drilling By Dean Bonner Oct 6, 2021 Seven in ten oppose more oil drilling off the state’s coast, and since 2013 at least half of Californians have held this view.
Report Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Henry McCann, David Mitchell ... Sep 15, 2021 As the San Joaquin Valley addresses groundwater overdraft under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), its urban utilities face unique challenges. Learn how to ensure a smooth transition for the region’s residents.
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.
Fact Sheet Groundwater Recharge in California By Alvar Escriva-Bou, Gokce Sencan, Ellen Hanak Aug 30, 2021 Groundwater recharge can replenish overdrafted basins, and help California adapt to greater climate extremes.
blog post Video: Californians and the Environment By Stephanie Barton Aug 6, 2021 Rachel Lawler and Mark Baldassare discuss key findings from the latest PPIC Statewide Survey, which examines Californians’ views on a wide range of environmental issues.