DAILY DIGEST, 4/16: California salmon fishing will be closed for the third year in a row; Reservoirs near capacity amid peak snowmelt season; One year later, state groundwater sanctions paused but Kings County farmers, water managers moving forward; Altadena residents with standing homes fear long-term health effects; and more …


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On the calendar today …

  • PUBLIC HEARING: Water measurement and reporting revisions beginning at 10am.  The State Water Board will conduct an Administrative Procedure Act (APA) public hearing. The public hearing will begin with a staff presentation summarizing the proposed regulation revisions, followed by an opportunity for oral public comments.  Click here for the meeting notice.
  • MEETING: CA Water Commission beginning at 11:15am.  Agenda items include an update on the Willow Springs Water Bank Conjunctive Use Project and State Water Project Briefing: Optimizing Operations in a Changing Climate.  Click here for the agenda and remote access instructions.
  • IN-PERSON EVENT: “Can L.A. Wildfires Happen Here?” : An OCWA Industry Insight from 11:30am to 1:30pm in Irvine.  Join us for an eye-opening presentation by the Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County (WEROC). Vicki Osborn, Director of Emergency Management and CalWARN President, will share firsthand insights on the critical support provided to LA County during recent wildfires. She will discuss key differences between our counties, the systems we have in place, the challenges we face — including the surge of new legislation — and how we can strengthen our preparedness and response efforts.  Click here to register.
  • WEBINAR: How much tidal wetland do we have in San Francisco Bay? from 1pm to 2pm.  The Baylands Habitat Map 2020 provides a critical foundation for calculating tidal wetland extent and wetland restoration progress. Please join us for presentations and discussion to learn about how far our region has progressed towards having 100,000 acres of tidal wetland, and how the Baylands Habitat Map 2020 and Project Tracker can be used as tools for tracking progress.  Click here to register.

In California water news today …

California salmon fishing will be closed for the third year in a row

Photo by Steve Martarano

“Commercial salmon fishing in California will be banned for the third year in a row, a closure unprecedented in state history. On Tuesday, the Pacific Fishery Management Council voted to close the commercial salmon season, after also banning fishing in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The rationale is that the forecast for the number of chinook salmon in the Pacific Ocean is even worse than it was this time last year. Previously, commercial fishing was also closed in 2008 and 2009, which was the first time in the fishery’s history. “There is hope that sitting on the sidelines for one more year will improve the chances for opportunity in 2026,” said Marci Yaremko, a member of the council, in order to allow the population to recover. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle. | Read via MSN News.

Commercial salmon season is shut down — again. Will California’s iconic fish ever recover?

“Facing the continued collapse of Chinook salmon, officials today shut down California’s commercial salmon fishing season for an unprecedented third year in a row.   Under the decision by an interstate fisheries agency, recreational salmon fishing will be allowed in California for only brief windows of time this spring. This will be the first year that any sportfishing of Chinook has been allowed since 2022.  Today’s decision by the Pacific Fishery Management Council means that no salmon caught off California can be sold to retail consumers and restaurants for at least another year. In Oregon and Washington, commercial salmon fishing will remain open, although limited.  “From a salmon standpoint, it’s an environmental disaster. For the fishing industry, it’s a human tragedy, and it’s also an economic disaster,” said Scott Artis, executive director of the Golden State Salmon Association, an industry organization that has lobbied for river restoration and improved hatchery programs. … ”  Read more from Cal Matters.

SEE ALSO:

California reservoirs near capacity amid peak snowmelt season after winter’s bounty of atmospheric rivers

“A barrage of atmospheric river events that swept across California during the winter and spring has left the state well-positioned when it comes to water storage.  As the peak of the snowmelt season begins to slow down, the majority of California’s major reservoirs are at least 90% full – a promising sign for a state that frequently battles drought and associated wildfires.  Shasta Lake, California’s largest reservoir, was last reported to be at around 95% capacity, surpassing its historical average by 117%.   The reservoir affects 35 California counties and plays a crucial role in managing water for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River watersheds.  The reservoir affects 35 California counties and plays a crucial role in managing water for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River watersheds.  According to the state, the water stored in Shasta Lake is vital for the Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, supporting hundreds of different crop types. … ”  Read more from Fox Weather.

One year later, state groundwater sanctions paused but Kings County farmers, water managers moving forward

“Wednesday marks one full year since the state brought the “hammer” down on Kings County farmers for pumping so much groundwater it sank a vast area that could be seen from space, nicknamed “the Corcoran bowl.”  In the year since the Water Resources Control Board put the Tulare Lake subbasin on probation for lacking a plan that would, among other things, stop excessive pumping that is causing land to collapse taking an entire town with it, state actions were halted by a lawsuit, injunction and appeal.  Probation is the first enforcement step allowed under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which aims to bring overpumped aquifers into balance by 2040.  The legal actions have put a wall between Water Board staff and Kings County water managers but that doesn’t mean nothing’s been happening. … ”  Read more from SJV Water.

Advancing aquifer recharge potential in California

“Woodard & Curran has a longstanding relationship with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), both as an advocate for our clients and as a partner in developing programs aimed at sustainable water resources management. Under the DWR’s Basin Characterization Program, which provides the latest data and information to the state’s water agencies as a means of better understanding aquifer systems and groundwater management, our groundwater experts supported the development of the Aquifer Recharge Potential (ARP) Process Document. Published in March 2025, this document describes the datasets and analyses used to create ARP Maps, which identify locations with relatively higher potential for managed aquifer recharge (MAR). The resulting maps are designed to support various MAR methods, including agricultural, on-field recharge, or recharge basins, and are tailored to achieve different recharge goals, including shallow well water supply, habitat rehabilitation, flood mitigation, and deeper aquifer recharge for subsidence mitigation. … ”  Read more from Woodard Curran.

Cutting the Green Tape Update: A new and improved Restoration Management Permit; Little Butano Creek Fish Passage and Habitat Enhancement; Regulatory strategies to advance restoration; and more …

Iron Gate site on the Klamath River, Photo by B. Henderson, CDFW

“Staff from CDFW’s Cutting the Green Tape program have been working hard to implement new permitting and CEQA tools for restoration projects across the state. The program’s latest legislative report for fiscal year 23-24 was recently approved and is now available on our web page and at the bottom of this post. … ”  Click here to read more about: A New and Improved Restoration Management Permit (RMP), New RMP Project Focus – Little Butano Creek Fish Passage and Habitat Enhancement, SERP Project Focus – Skey-wok Kee’ We Mech (It Needs Fire), and Restoration Workshop – Regulatory Strategies to Advance Restoration: CEQA Pathways. … ”  Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

ACWA Foundation building strategic partnerships to power California’s water future

“With foundational infrastructure in place and strong momentum from early outreach, the ACWA Foundation is poised to take bold next steps in addressing the critical workforce shortage facing the water industry.  The Foundation — a nonprofit 501(c)3 formed by the ACWA Board of Directors in 2022 — is convening water agencies, industry leaders, higher education institutions, and educators to co-create pilot programs focused on training water operators in key regions of California. Lean focus groups — featuring representation from each interested group — will collaborate to develop curriculum and training pathways that align with the real-world needs of a qualified, mission-ready workforce. … ”  Read more from ACWA Water News.

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In commentary today …

California’s water infrastructure needs a boost: Time to build new hydroelectric sites

“California has not invested in water infrastructure for more than 50 years. Wouldn’t it be great if we could develop more water storage sites and generate clean affordable power? There are several areas in eastern Fresno County that are suitable for new dams identified over 100 years ago. In the early 1900s visionaries recognized an opportunity to create a series of dams and hydroelectric facilities to provide power to Southern California. The Big Creek project completed in 1929 involved six dams, eight tunnels (one over 10 miles long), three major artificial lakes and five powerhouses.  This network of systems was created to provide power to a growing Los Angeles and its Southland suburbs. There were plans to build more dams and powerhouses, but the state has lost interest in developing new large scale hydroelectric facilities coupled with new dams. … ”  Read more from the Fresno Bee.

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In regional water news and commentary today …

NORTH COAST

Resilience takes root at Forest Health Extravaganza

“Excitement and determination rippled through the air inside Harwood Hall in late March, as community members, fire officials, experts and organizations gathered to share skills and spirit. Organized by Alicia Littletree Bales, a local activist, the Forest Health Extravaganza aimed to unite and empower community members around forest and watershed health and fire protection.  The free community event opened with a keynote address from Yurok tribal member, cultural fire expert and co-founder/executive director of Cultural Fire Management Council, Margo Robbins. Robbins shared traditional Yurok wisdom on fire management, as well as the “why” behind various indigenous burning practices. … ”  Read more from the Mendocino Voice.

Northern California farmers urge Trump to prevent PG&E’s dam removal

“Four Northern California farm bureaus are making a plea to the Donald Trump administration, urging it to halt PG&E’s plan to dismantle a key piece of water infrastructure. The counties say they need time to craft a strategy to protect public health, the local economy and their communities.  In a joint letter dated April 4, the presidents of the Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin county farm bureaus urged Trump and relevant members of his Cabinet to intervene in PG&E’s plans to remove Scott Dam. As nonprofit, nongovernmental advocacy groups representing local agriculture, they argue the removal “threatens the region’s water accessibility, economic stability, and disaster preparedness.” … ”  Read more from SF Gate.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

American River levee upgrades to improve flood protection threaten heritage oaks

“Sacramento environmental groups are raising concerns about flood management construction on the American River slated to reach the Rio Americano High School area next year.  The controversial ongoing work, part of the Sacramento Levee Upgrades project run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has come under scrutiny since beginning last year, as the erosion prevention measures have required the removal of trees and plants along the river.  Up to 600 trees, including 100-year-old heritage oaks, will be bulldozed, according to the American River Trees group.  However, the Army Corps has said the work is necessary to prevent potential catastrophic flooding. The work is designed to update the Army Corps’ standards from planning for a 50-year flood event to a 200-year event. … ”  Read more from the Carmichael Times.

BAY AREA

Bay Area weather could create a particularly colorful sunset Wednesday

“Pink and red hues could light up the Bay Area sky Wednesday as scattered clouds provide ideal ingredients for a colorful sunrise and sunset. A meandering low-pressure system off the Central Coast will spin plenty of moisture over the Bay Area, resulting in scattered mid- to high-level clouds. These clouds, that hover around 10,000 feet, are reflective when the sun is low in the horizon at dawn and dusk. If clouds and fog hang low in the sky, though, the sunset could be muted, especially at the coast. … There is a slim chance of a rain shower or brief thunderstorm over the Diablo Range toward the San Jose foothills, but thunderstorms are more likely in the Sierra Nevada on Wednesday. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Court sides with James Irrigation District in groundwater rights case, rejecting McMullin Area GSA’s attempt to cut off access to James ID’s wellfields

“A California Superior Court has ruled in favor of James Irrigation District (James ID), denying an emergency injunction filed by the McMullin Area Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MAGSA) that sought to immediately halt James ID’s pumping from its 100-year-old wellfield to serve its farmers. The court’s decision affirms James ID’s ability to continue to exercise its deeded rights for the benefit of its landowners and water users, which have existed for more than a century. In its ruling, the court found that MAGSA failed to demonstrate that its demands outweighed the longstanding water rights held by James ID, or that any interim harm would justify the extraordinary measures that MAGSA requested the court to impose.  MAGSA and its landowners, who rely solely on groundwater and have no rights to Kings River or imported surface water supplies, have adopted an “export” policy that imposes permitting requirements and fees on groundwater pumped within MAGSA’s boundaries—even for use on adjacent land with existing rights. This policy was created without meaningful coordination with neighboring agencies and is aimed squarely at James ID, which operates a series of wells located east of the Fresno Slough Bypass. … ”  Continue reading from the James Irrigation District.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Storm season is over, county still below annual rainfall totals

“As the storm season officially concluded on Tuesday, April 15, Los Angeles County has captured 11.9 billion gallons of stormwater over the past several months.  While the recent late-winter storms provided a much-needed boost, the region remains far below its typical annual rainfall totals.  Since the beginning of storm season on Oct. 1, downtown Los Angeles has recorded just 6.6 inches of rain, less than half the annual average of 15.4 inches. In stark contrast, last year’s storm season brought 21.2 inches of rain to the area, enabling the county to recharge its groundwater aquifers with more than 117 billion gallons of stormwater, enough to meet the water needs of nearly 2.9 million people for an entire year. … ”  Read more from SCV News.

L.A. will set aside $3 million to help owners of fire-damaged homes test their soil for lead

“The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will allocate $3 million to help homeowners near the Eaton burn area test for lead contamination, after preliminary tests found elevated levels of the heavy metal on homes standing after the fire.  Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey Horvath proposed the motion after preliminary test results released last week by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health showed lead levels above state health standards in as many as 80% of soil samples collected downwind of the Eaton burn scar.  On Tuesday, the board voted 4-0 to direct $3 million from the county’s 2018 $134-million settlement with lead-paint manufacturers to test residential properties that are both downwind and within one mile of the Eaton burn scar boundary.  Lead is a heavy metal linked to serious health problems including damage to the brain and nervous system, as well as digestive, reproductive and cardiovascular issues, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

A ‘calamity waiting to unfold’: Altadena residents with standing homes fear long-term health effects

“On Jan. 7, two residents on opposite sides of Altadena — Francois Tissot, a Caltech professor who studies the geology of ancient Earth and our solar system, living in the east side of town; and Jane Potelle, an environmental advocate living in the west side — fled the intensifying red glow of the devastating Eaton fire.  The inferno devoured home after home, unleashing what experts estimate to be tons of dangerous metals and compounds, from lead to asbestos to the carcinogen benzene. Carried through the vicious winds, the toxins embedded deep into the soil, seeped into the blood of first responders, and leaked into structures in the area that hadn’t burned down.  Within weeks, Altadena residents whose homes had withstood the fire began to return — yet few were testing for contaminants both Tissot and Potelle knew were almost certainly sitting in their still-standing houses. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

Adult pelicans are falling victim to toxic algae bloom. Now their babies are starving, too

“Brown Pelicans across Southern California are filling up wildlife rehabilitation centers, either sick or starving — a dual crisis that wildlife experts believe could be linked to a massive toxic algae bloom.  For the last month, hundreds of seabirds have been poisoned by domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced in harmful algal blooms that are consumed by filter-feeding fish, such as anchovies and sardines. The small fish aren’t affected by the toxins, but many seabirds and marine mammals that feed on these fish are, and the sickness can be deadly. More than 100 area seas lions have been sickened and killed by the toxins over the last few months, along with several dozen dolphins that have died. … ”  Read more from the LA Times.

Aquarium of the Pacific’s report card focuses on creatures over global warming

“In most respects, the Marine Species Report Card, issued recently by Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific, is nothing like the “Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.”  Most obviously, the report card is an online and print publication packed with college-level science pertaining to the long-term health of exactly 30 different fish, plants, birds, mammals and crustaceans connected to the stretch of the Pacific Ocean off the 840-mile coast of California. It’s not a TV show starring a French national icon leading a team of scientists and filmmakers on well-funded, well-fed explorations of the world’s oceans and other bodies of water.  The report card is direct and clear, something that wasn’t always true of Cousteau. … ”  Read more from the LA Daily News.

LA28 Olympic surfing set for Lower Trestles, south of San Clemente

“The perfect, peeling waves just south of San Clemente, wedged between Orange County and San Diego, have long been a crown jewel of mainland America surfing – and now, Lower Trestles is set to be the salt-water stage for the LA28 Olympics.  Olympic organizers announced the news April 15, a long-awaited decision that wiped out hopes for Huntington Beach officials who for years have lobbied to have the surfing event in Surf City, touting a rich history of competitions, plenty of sand space and hotels that could accommodate big crowds and a mega event at the famed pier.  In the end, it was the wave quality that became the major deciding factor in the beach battle, with Lower Trestles known for its consistent, quality waves – the cobble-stone-dotted haven set within San Onofre State Beach where the sport’s world champions have been crowned the last four years. … ”  Read more from the LA Daily News.

SAN DIEGO

As odors increase in Tijuana River, county health offers guidance to residents

“The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District reported higher-than-normal hydrogen sulfide readings from the Tijuana River, prompting the county to offer guidance to residents concerned about the air.  According to the county, the increase in odors in the last 24 hours “appears to be associated with reports from the (International Boundary and Water Commission) that sewage infrastructure work in Mexico has resulted in the release of up to 5 million gallons per night of sewage into the Tijuana River Valley.”  This flow comes in addition to “rogue sewage flows” being investigated by the IBWC with its partners in Mexico. The IBWC operates the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant and is tasked with collaborating with Mexico on border water issues. … ”  Read more from NBC 7.

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Along the Colorado River …

When Colorado River restoration is an “act of cultural survival”

“Along the U.S.–Mexico border in Arizona, the Cocopah Indian Tribe is accustomed to change. Over centuries, they have seen borders drawn that intersect their homeland. They’ve watched their traditional way of life adapt and survive with each new generation.  The Cocopah are known as “the river people,” a name given long before the Colorado River was diverted through modern canals and dams. As the water disappeared, so did sacred animals that dwelled in the riverside habitat. Once, the Cocopah collected willow and cottonwood for traditional games and ceremonies. Today, invasive species like saltcedar and phragmites obstruct the shoreline and siphon the remaining water from the soil.  During the occasional water release from north of the reservation, the Cocopah watch their river awaken briefly as it once did, only to fall back into hibernation as others access its water. The river hasn’t reliably reached its natural endpoint in the Gulf of California since the 1960s, its once-prolific flow now stopping somewhere in the Sonoran Desert. … ”  Continue reading from the Walton Foundation.

Water wars: Political divides, lack of Latino voices are devastating the Colorado River

“Vanessa Muñoz, Hispanic Access Foundation, writes, “The Colorado River begins in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and flows an astounding 1,450 miles through the American Southwest, passing through 30 tribal nations and seven states. It is a crucial water source for 40 million people, sustains 5.5 million acres of farmland, and fuels a $1.4 trillion economy that supports 16 million jobs.  Beyond its economic value, the river plays a vital ecological role, nourishing diverse landscapes, providing habitat for 65% of the West’s wildlife and preserving sites of deep cultural significance. However, as extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, and water demands continue growing, a water crisis is looming that is not just a regional concern but a bipartisan and national issue.  The Colorado River is experiencing one of the driest periods in the last 1,200 years, now intensified by rising temperatures. A 23.9% drop in rainfall, combined with a growing water demand reaching 124,457 acre-feet, has resulted in a 38.6% decline in runoff flow, putting immense pressure on this critical water source. It gets further depleted — often without us realizing it — and even the smallest action can have a rippling effect. … ”  Continue reading at the Fountain Hill Times.

Saudi-backed farm claims Mayes’ lawsuit against their groundwater pumping is illegal

“Attorneys for a Saudi-owned alfalfa farm want a judge to toss a bid by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to halt its pumping of groundwater. The lawyers say her lawsuit against the company Fondomonte is illegal.  Last year, Mayes sued Fondomonte, claiming its pumping of rural groundwater goes against public nuisance laws.  But the company’s lawyers claim that lawsuit ignores a state law which says agricultural operations conducted with good practices are presumed to be reasonable and do not constitute a nuisance.  That is unless the farm has a substantial adverse effect on public health and safety. … ”  Read more from KJZZ.

SEE ALSOFondomonte asks that AZ AG’s lawsuit be dropped in court filing, from Arizona Public Media

Díaz and Allhands: What is non-functional turf — and should Arizona ban it?

“State water officials are looking into potentially banning non-functional turf in some areas and developments, and there’s a bill that would do that in the state Legislature.  But the idea — and the way of making the change — is not universally accepted.  Joanna Allhands, digital opinions editor at the Arizona Republic, has written about this. She joined The Show along with Republic editorial page editor Elvia Díaz to talk more about the turf battle.”  Read transcript or listen to show from KJZZ.

Pinal farmers would have to fallow half their lands under tentative drought-plan figures

“A plan to protect Pinal County farmers from impacts of Central Arizona Project shortages now looks like it may take a huge bite out of the farmers’ water supplies instead. At a meeting Wednesday of a committee looking at a plan to protect Lake Mead from future steep declines, a top CAP official said the first shortage could slice Pinal County farmers’ share of Colorado River water to as little as 80,000 acre-feet, based on tentative estimates. That would amount to a cut of more than two-thirds of the 250,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water those farmers were due to receive this year, and nearly three-fourths of what they took in 2017. It would force farmers there to take 55 to 60 percent of their land out of production, said Paul Orme, a Phoenix attorney who serves as a lobbyist for four Pinal County irrigation districts. … ”  Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.

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In national water news today …

Study reveals US hotspots for poor water quality and “water injustice”

“New research has identified hotspots in the US with concerning levels of water quality and poor access to clean drinking water, revealing that Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Washington had the most water quality violations across the board.  The paper, published Tuesday in the journal Risk Analysis, also developed county-level scores across most of the country for unequal access to safe and clean drinking water, finding that eight of the 10 counties with the worst “water injustice” scores were in Mississippi, with the other two in Texas and South Dakota. Water injustice tends to disproportionately impact low-income households and people of color.  The top 10 counties with the most water violations were located in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. … ”  Read more from The New Lede.

The scientists Trump needs

“The Trump administration may end up chainsawing itself in the foot with aggressive science-related cuts at agencies like EPA and the Interior Department.  Through a messy combination of mass layoffs, targeted office closings, encouraged retirements and frozen funding, the federal agencies are remaking their once-vigorous science programs.  All of which, scientists and their allies warn, will hurt the government’s ability to perform, even when it comes to implementing President Donald Trump’s agenda. Scientists are crucial to plan, permit, regulate and conserve, whether it’s a decision to protect a species, site a solar farm, build a pipeline or allow a chemical to enter the market.  “The administration is slashing funding for scientific agencies, terminating grants to scientists, defunding their laboratories, and hampering international scientific collaboration,” more than 1,900 leading U.S. scientists wrote in an open letter last month. … ”  Read more from E&E News.

Federal judge orders immediate thaw of climate, infrastructure funds

“A federal judge ruled Tuesday that EPA, the Interior and Energy departments and other agencies unlawfully froze funds under Democrats’ climate and infrastructure spending laws, ordering the agencies to immediately resume disbursing the money.  The ruling from Judge Mary McElroy of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, who was named to the bench by President Donald Trump in 2019, comes on the eve of an expected decision from another judge in Washington on whether EPA lawfully terminated $20 billion in climate grants. That case and other litigation are part of a complex web of lawsuits over frozen funds and terminated grants playing out in multiple courts.  McElroy said she wanted to be “crystal clear” that the president is entitled to enact his agenda. However, “agencies do not have unlimited authority to further a President’s agenda, nor do they have unfettered power to hamstring in perpetuity two statutes passed by Congress during the previous administration.” … ”  Read more from E&E News.

EPA appeals judge’s ruling requiring it to unfreeze climate dollars

“EPA appealed Wednesday a federal judge’s order that prevents the agency from blocking $20 billion in climate grants, escalating a legal squabble over the frozen Biden-era money.  The appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit came hours after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, ordering the agency to stop “unlawfully suspending or terminating” the grant awards.  Judge Tanya Chutkan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia said she would issue an opinion detailing her reasoning for the injunction, but it was not immediately available.  The fight over the $20 billion has become one of the most high-profile disputes in President Donald Trump’s attempt to throttle former President Joe Biden’s climate and energy agenda. The money has been sitting for months in accounts at Citibank, where EPA’s Biden-era leaders had placed it for the use of eight affordable housing and community-lending nonprofits. … ”  Read more from E&E News.

Is the planet losing one of its best ways to slow climate change?

“The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere last year grew at the fastest rate in recorded history — a dramatic spike that scientists fear may indicate that Earth’s ecosystems are so stressed by warming they can no longer absorb much of the pollution humanity emits.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Monitoring Laboratory on Monday released data showing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased by 3.75 parts per million in 2024. That jump is 27 percent larger than the previous record increase, in 2015, and puts atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations at a level not seen in at least 3 million years. … ” … ”  Read more from the Washington Post.

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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT: Public Draft Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Master Plan

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About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.