California Water News: Trump Budget Cuts Key Ecology Program

The Facts -

• Trump's budget cuts 90% of funds for a key USGS ecology program.
• California faces a 4-9 million acre-feet water reduction yearly.
• California leads in agriculture, producing $58 billion in 2023.

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California Water News Highlights This Weekend

Proposed Budget Cuts Threaten Critical Ecology Program

"The Trump administration’s proposed budget for 2026 slashes about 90 percent of the funding for one of the country’s cornerstone biological and ecological research programs... The 2026 proposed budget allocates $29 million for the project, a cut from its current funding level of $293 million." Read more from the New York Times.

California’s Water Future: The Case for Infrastructure Investment

A new report by UC Davis and UC Merced researchers examines the dire future of California’s water supply. The state could see a reduction of up to 25% in water resources due to climate change and other factors. The economic impact could reach $14.5 billion annually with severe job losses, particularly in agriculture. Infrastructure investment in storage and conveyance is urgently needed. Continue reading from the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley.

Challenges in California's Agricultural Water Management

California, leading in agricultural production with $58 billion in cash receipts, faces challenges with water management. The state heavily relies on irrigation for high-value specialty crops, sourcing water from both groundwater and surface water. As of 2023, the majority of irrigation water is drawn from groundwater, which poses sustainability concerns. Read more from Ag Web.

California Avocados at Risk: A Farmer's Fight

Norman Kachuck oversees his avocado farm in San Diego County, battling issues like violence and corruption plaguing the Mexican avocado trade. Kachuck labels Mexican imports as “tainted conflict fruit” and stresses the importance of local, transparent practices. Read more from the LA Times.

Combatting Forever Chemicals: A Scientist's Journey

USC's Vaia Lida Chatzi, with Max Aung, leads research on PFAS chemicals linked to various health issues. Their work in Southern California earned them the President’s Sustainability Initiative Award as they aim to address PFAS contamination in drinking water. Read more from USC Today.

Frequent 'Hundred-Year' Weather Events Explained

Climate change is causing more frequent extreme weather events traditionally classified as 'hundred-year' occurrences. These include storms and floods, driven by changing atmospheric and oceanic conditions. Read more from Time Magazine.

California Lawmakers Demand Adherence to Plastic Waste Legislation

Lawmakers criticize draft regulations by CalRecycle for not aligning with Senate Bill 54, aimed at reducing plastic waste. They urge Governor Newsom to ensure regulations follow the law’s intent. Read more from the LA Times.

Newsom Urges Federal Support for Wildfire Prevention

Amidst preparations for California’s fire season, Governor Newsom urges the Trump administration for increased efforts in forest management and wildfire prevention, complementing state-funded resiliency projects. Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

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