Capitol Weekly

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Workers install solar panels on an Oak View roof in southern California. (Photo: Joseph Sohm)

Solar power and a stressed grid: Batteries may play key role

Liam Gravvat - Sept 20, 2022 - Capitol Weekly

California’s electrical grid was pushed to unprecedented limits recently as the state suffered through a record-breaking heat wave and wildfires burned tens of thousands of acres across the already parched Golden State.

At least one segment of California’s power grid drew special attention — solar energy, which comprises about 15 percent of California’s power needs.

Solar-generated power has long been viewed by experts as an effective way — perhaps the most effective — to wean society from fossil-based fuels and curb climate-changing carbon emissions.

The cap of a well used to monitor groundwater samples in Gilroy. (Photo: Matthew Corley, via Shutterstock)

As drought persists, crucial groundwater supplies dwindle

Liam Gravvat - Oct 12, 2022 - Capitol Weekly

More than 60% of California’s groundwater wells are operating at below-normal levels, endangering much of the Golden State’s population that relies on the precious resource.

Although relatively unknown to many Californians, who see water supply in terms of rivers, streams and reservoirs, groundwater is a hugely vital source that is largely invisible.

“[Groundwater] represents anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of our total water supply in the state. During dry years, it’s approaching 60-plus,” said Tim Godwin from California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR). “Upwards of, like, 85% of our populace relies on groundwater in some capacity or another.”

Young rainbow trout at the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery near Big Pine, Calif., on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada. (Photo: Sean Lema, via Shutterstock)

Amid California’s drought, environmental laws get scrutiny

Liam Gravvat - Nov 11, 2022 - Capitol Weekly

The impacts of California’s interminable drought are well-known. But one aspect has drawn relatively little attention — its relationship with environmental laws.

Last year was the second-driest water year on record, with all 58 California counties placed under a drought emergency proclamation, according to California’s official drought website. The map shows how the vast majority of California is suffering from moderate to extreme drought conditions.

The impacts of a water shortage ultimately will affect everyone in California as usable water continues its downward trend, says California Water Watch, which tracks the state’s water conditions. It notes that the next two decades could see California lose “10 percent of its water supplies” due to the warming climate.

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