Of all the environmental problems facing California, depletion of its groundwater may be the most important according to this piece.
The Natural Resources Defense Council's Barry Nelson argues that the state needs to start addressing this problem before it becomes completely unmanageable.
"California is in a league by itself – and not a good one – when it comes to groundwater management. Contrary to rumor – not even Texas has such a Wild West approach to groundwater management. In many parts of the state, groundwater pumping is unregulated, unmanaged, and unmonitored.
Imagine, if you will, that 10,000 Californians have your ATM card and PIN number. Imagine how hard it would be to maintain a healthy balance in your bank account with such unmanaged withdrawals. Now imagine that these withdrawals aren't even reported in your monthly account statement. That's the groundwater situation in parts of the Central Valley. Every other state has taken more steps than California has taken to manage this critical, common resource."
FULL STORY: Groundwater Management - Another Elephant in the Living Room

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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