Challenging myth and mirage in California's drought

In a July 6, 2014 commentary for The Sacramento Bee, three prominent California water experts challenge two claims that they say are hindering the search for solutions to California's water shortages. 

Jay Lund, the Center's director, and co-authors Jeffrey Mount and Ellen Hanak of the Public Policy Institute of California say the role of environmental regulation in shortening farmers' water supplies has been vastly overstated. Likewise, the claim that conservation measures can yield more than 10 million acre-feet of "new" water — the equivalent of 10 full Folsom Reservoirs — is greatly overblown.

What's needed, they say, is "a common understanding of the causes if water scarcity and practical, reasoned solutions — not blame games and wishful thinking."