Senate OKs measure addressing the role of working lands in addressing state climate goals

The California State Senate last week approved importat climate change legislation that addresses the role that farms and other working lands play in reaching the state's goals for reducing carbon emissions. In particular, Senate Bill 1386 will make it state policy that protecting and managing natural and working lands is key to meeting California’s climate change goals, and directs all relevant state agencies to consider this policy when conducting their work.

Imperial Irrigation District highlights issue of Salton Sea with respect to interstate water negotiations on Colorado River

With news that representatives of California, Arizona, and Nevada are negotiating potential cutbacks to relieve water usage from the overtaxed Colorado River, the water district holding the largest rights to Colorado River water said that issues at the Salton Sea need to be resolved before any settlement regarding the Colorado River.

California's use of Colorado River water the subject of multi-state negotiations

News emerged in late April of ongoing negotiations among representatives of California, Nevada, and Arizona about the use of water from the Colorado River, which is on the verge of a major shortage. While details of the negotiations aren't clear, the goal has been to keep more water in Lake Mead to stave off a declaration of a shortage.

Air pollution continues to be a problem for Californians

Despite significant improvements as a result of emissions regulations, air pollution continues to be a significant problem for Californians, according to data recently released by the American Lung Association. The organization’s 2016 State of the Air report concludes that seven of the ten worst cities in the United States for air pollution are located in California. Los Angeles leads the nation for ozone pollution, while Bakersfield is the worst in the nation for particulate pollution. The report adds that eight out of ten Californians live in an area with unhealthful air.

While the ramifications of this are clear for public health, air pollution of this type has clear ramifications for climate change. It’s no wonder that a number of the climate-related bills working their way through the State Legislature this year address the connection between climate change, pollution, and public health. The best example is Senate Bill 1383, authored by State Senator Ricardo Lara, which seeks to reduce 50 percent of black carbon emissions and 40 percent of both methane and fluorinated gas (F-gas) emissions in California by 2030.

The National Audubon Society recently found that 170 species of birds in California will be at risk in coming decades due to climate change. These birds are also threatened by air pollution.

Perhaps the stupidest article ever written about birds

Wow, just wow. This article about raptors in the Indiana Gazette is probably the least informed article ever written about birds. Seriously.

Show your support for Measure AA in the Bay Area

American Avocets dig Measure AA, because it will raise $500 million for much-needed wetlands restoration in San Francisco Bay. The ballot measure will appear on the June 7 ballot in 9 Bay Area counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma and the City and County of San Francisco. Learn more about the measure here. And please show your support.

California Fish and Game Commission gets a new executive director

Valerie Termini comes from the California Ocean Protection Council staff, and will be the Fish and Game Commissions first female executive director in its history.