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.
Rachel Becker / CalMatters
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
State unveils long-awaited standard for drinking water contaminant
California’s proposed limit for hexavalent chromium — the first in the nation — would raise water rates in many cities. The contaminant, linked to cancer, was made infamous by Erin Brockovich.
Posted inEnvironment
Californians used more water as state braces for another dry year
New data from urban areas suggests that people are ignoring Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pleas for voluntary conservation during the drought. Some experts say it’s time for Newsom to issue a mandatory order.
Posted inEnvironment
No end in sight: California drought on course to break another record
After record-breaking snowfall at the start of the rainy season, January and February will likely be the driest on record, prolonging California’s drought.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Morale killer’: California scientists battle over pay disparities
State scientists, who make on average 27% less than state engineers, are trying to negotiate a better deal. “I’m freaking terrified that all of these awesome people that I work with … are going to leave,” one environmental scientist said.