New economic data from California shows the state could face anywhere from $3-14 billion in water losses each year if no action is taken.
California has faced water supply challenges for years and is expected to shrink by 12-25% by 2050.
The data collected by researchers at UC Davis and UC Merced shows that without coordinated action, nearly three million acres of California farmland could be taken out of production.
That would mean a loss of 67,000 jobs, severely impacting rural communities.
The research supports the state’s Senate Bill 72, which proposes California’s first-ever water supply target to develop 9 million acre-feet of new water by 2040.
Related Stories
Thu, 4/24/25, 2:30 PM ET – Commercial Cattle Video Auction LIVE
“What we’re hoping to do is just help our farmers have one more tool that they can help protect their livestock...”
“We don’t need to mandate these on the highway.”
“We’re going to get this $280 million out to those Rio Grande Valley farmers and make sure they can see another day and farm another crop.”