Editorial: Do your job, Gov. Newsom — end water wars for state and Stanislaus fish and farmers [Modesto Bee]
… What we most need is for Newsom to summon the courage to implement voluntary agreements negotiated more than two years ago with federal agencies and our irrigation boards, whose patience so far has been rewarded with little more than supreme frustration. … Under heavy pressure from the powerful environmental lobby, the State Water Boards caved entirely, while Newsom held out for a deal that would make them more happy. Negotiations have been in limbo since. … The best and right solution is for Newsom to pick up the phone today and strongly tell Nemeth, Bonham and Esquivel that he expects the voluntary agreements to wrap up without delay.
https://www.modbee.com/opinion/editorials/article251321558.html
Sierra snowpack is already ‘wiped out’ this year, adding to California drought and fire worries [San Francisco Chronicle]
The Sierra Nevada snowpack, a crucial water source for California’s cities and farms, has already dwindled to next to nothing this year, adding to the state’s worsening drought situation. The latest data from the state Department of Water Resources on Tuesday showed California’s snowpack was just 6% of normal for May 11, and 4% of the normal average for April 1. … Adding to the problem this year, much of the moisture is being sucked into the dry soil and into the atmosphere instead of turning into runoff that feeds the state’s reservoirs.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Sierra-snowpack-is-already-wiped-out-this-16169301.php
Kern supervisors declare local emergency due to water shortage [KGET TV, Bakersfield]
Supervisors declared a local emergency Tuesday due to a severe water shortage. The resolution, approved 4-0 Tuesday, came after Gov. Gavin Newsom expanded a statewide drought emergency Monday to include 41 of the state’s 58 counties, including Kern. … Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen said farmers should prepare for a tough summer. … Meantime, the resolution approved by Kern County supervisors Tuesday seeks immediate assistance from the state and asks the Newsom Administration to transfer emergency water supplies to Kern.
https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/kern-supervisors-declare-local-emergency-due-to-water-shortage/
Drought concerns: new website shows well water users whether they face a water shortage [KXTV, Sacramento]
… The Department of Water Resources has created a website that can help those who rely on well water to figure out just how much at-risk they are of a water shortage. The site was created after the last drought, but with California’s drought only recently worsening, it had not been widely used or needed until now. … This week, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a $5.1 billion dollar investment over the next 4 years for drought preparedness, infrastructure, and response. … While these are great starts, the California Farm Water Coalition says long-term solutions like canals, groundwater, and dam infrastructure will also need to be considered.
Study: Farm air pollution to blame for 17,900 deaths a year in the U.S. [KMPH TV, Fresno]
A new study is linking almost 18,000 deaths a year across the United States to pollution from farms. … Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a professor and air quality specialist at UC Davis, has studied the issue extensively– and he disagrees with the study’s findings. … He says it’s tough to predict the potential risk caused by animal versus plant-based agriculture. Tony Toso, President of the California Cattlemen’s Association, agrees. … He says that while the study looked at the smoke particles created by agricultural burning, his industry actually does something to help reduce the fire risk in mountains across the state.
https://kmph.com/news/local/study-farm-air-pollution-to-blame-for-17900-deaths-a-year
Washington governor signs agriculture worker overtime bill [Associated Press]
Agricultural workers in Washington state would become eligible for overtime pay under a bill signed Tuesday by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, drawing praise from President Joe Biden. Senate Bill 5172 creates a phased-in path toward full overtime pay for agricultural workers by 2024. For 2022, they ensure overtime pay for any time worked over 55 hours a week; 48 hours a week in 2023; and 40 hours a week by 2024. Washington joined a handful of states that grant overtime pay to agricultural workers.
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