California farms could use 93% less water, but less-thirsty crops, such as grains and hay, are much less lucrative than nuts and fruits. Fallowing a small fraction of the thirstiest crops would save 9%.
Rachel Becker / CalMatters
Posted inLatest News
Saving salmon: Newsom unveils blueprint for ending decades-long decline
With salmon populations throughout California declining for decades and facing the threat of extinction, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday unveiled a state strategy aimed at protecting and restoring the iconic species “amidst hotter and drier weather exacerbated by climate change.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California approves rules that turn sewage into drinking water
Suppliers now have detailed steps to create a new source of drinking water. But it’s not really “toilet-to-tap.” Due to the cost, it’ll likely be only large suppliers.
Posted inLatest News
Commission OKs desalination plant on Monterey Bay — the most contentious one yet
The California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 to approve the plant in Marina, despite the ecological risks to the Monterey Bay coast, high costs of the water and a divide between affluent and lower-income communities.
Posted inLatest News
Ranchers, tribes, state officials clash over Shasta River water
A standoff over shutting down ranchers’ pumps signals a flareup of water wars as California is gripped by seemingly endless drought. “To hell with it. We’re starting the pumps,” one Siskiyou County rancher said.
Posted inEnvironment
How bad is water use in California? March is the worst so far, up 19%
Ignoring urgent pleas from water officials, Californians used substantially more water after a record-dry three months gripped the state.
Posted inEnvironment
Clean-car rules: California unveils proposed measure to ban new gasoline-fueled cars
If enacted this summer, California’s mandate — the first in the world — would increase sales of electric or other zero-emission cars to 35% in 2026, and prohibit new gasoline or diesel cars by 2035.
Posted inEnvironment
Report to California Legislature: Prepare for sweeping effects of climate change
From housing and health to transportation and education, the Legislative Analyst’s Office report provides a litany of sobering climate change impacts for California legislators to address as they enact policies and set budgets.
Posted inEnvironment
Sierra snowpack worsens, falls to lowest level in 7 years
The April snowpack, key to how much water flows into reservoirs, is 39% of average statewide, proving that drought hasn’t relaxed its grip on California.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom imposes new California water restrictions — but the governor leaves the details to locals
As a dry summer looms, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered water suppliers across California to step up their local drought responses, but fell short of requiring water rationing or setting a statewide conservation target.