A proposal to change some of the goals of California’s $90-million farmland retirement program has literally stopped numerous projects in their tracks. … The program always included “benefits to disadvantaged communities” as part of a laundry list of goals, including reducing groundwater use; helping move regions toward groundwater sustainability; increasing long-term repurposing of marginal ag lands; and supporting drought relief; among others. But Dec. 20, the (Department of Conservation) proposed changes stating that each project must include “meaningful” benefits for disadvantaged communities. 

Other groundwater news:

• Climate Water Project: Blog: The unsung linchpin: Groundwater helps stabilize the climate