SACRAMENTO
BLM to host public meeting in Sacramento for input on potential updates to solar energy program
As part of its ongoing effort to support responsible renewable energy development on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management is holding a public scoping meeting in Sacramento to solicit feedback on the recently announced programmatic environmental impact statement for the BLM’s utility-scale solar energy planning.
The BLM is considering updates to its 2012 Western Solar Plan that included six southwestern states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah—and is seeking comment regarding expanding its solar planning to include five additional states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. The Sacramento meeting is one of a series being held in January and February in various western states, as well as in Washington DC and virtually. For the complete list of meetings visit the BLM webpage.
“The BLM is committed to expanding renewable energy development on public lands to help lead the nation into a clean energy future, enhance America’s energy security, and provide for good-paying union jobs,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “We look forward to hearing from the public on effective ways to expand our nation’s capacity for producing solar energy while continuing to ensure robust protection of our public lands and waters.”
The Sacramento meeting will be held on January 18, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Golden State rooms at the Courtyard Marriott, 1782 Tribute Road, Sacramento, Calif. 95815. Parking is complimentary for attendees.
The Notice of Intent to update the BLM’s 2012 solar programmatic environmental impact statement was published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2022, with interested parties invited to submit written feedback or to participate in one of the in-person or virtual public scoping meetings.
The public comment period will remain open for 15 days after the last public scoping meeting, or Feb. 6, 2023, whichever is later. For the most current information on these meetings and to view the Notice of Intent, visit the BLM’s ePlanning web site at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022371/570.
—Submitted
CALIFORNIA
Food and farm news
Strawberry growers increase acreage to meet record demand
California strawberry growers are projected to plant record strawberry acreage in 2023. According to the California Strawberry Commission, farmers are planting more strawberries this year “to meet record consumer demand.” To satisfy that demand, California growers are expected to plant 41,570 acres of strawberries this year. That would be up from 40,714 acres last year. Of the 2023 total, 31,852 acres are already in the ground. Fall strawberry plantings produce fruit during the winter, spring and summer months.
New laws may ease export fees, create farm workforce challenges
New California laws, which went into effect New Year’s Day, are expected to impact farm operations and exports. Key legislation passed last year includes Assembly Bill 2406. That law is intended to keep international ocean carriers from imposing onerous cargo detention and demurrage charges on farm goods delayed at California ports. Meanwhile, AB 2183 will allow labor unions to organize agricultural employees by collecting signatures instead of holding secret-ballot elections. Agricultural groups say it may lead to union intimidation.
Research project seeks to sustain pistachio production in warmer climates
University researchers from California and other states are joining in a four-year research project that seeks to improve pistachio production as growers face warmer winters and water shortages. California grows 99% of America’s pistachio crop and nearly 60% of the world’s crop. Researchers at University of California, Davis, UC Merced, New Mexico State University and Purdue University are conducting research to aid pistachio pollination and to develop rootstocks that can thrive despite increasing water scarcity.
Report: Dairy farmers are on track to meet methane emission reduction goals
California dairy farmers are making progress in reducing methane emissions. According to a new report, the state’s dairy industry is on track to meet a goal of reducing methane emissions by 40% by 2030. The report was produced by the California Dairy Research Foundation and the University of California, Davis, CLEAR Center. The report notes that dairies’ use of feed additives is expected to have a positive impact in curbing enteric methane produced by livestock. Several new feed additives are expected to become commercially available soon.
—California Farm Bureau
LAKE COUNTY
Literacy program schedules New Year in-person tutor training
The Lake County Library’s Adult Literacy Program has scheduled an in-person Tutor Training for the New Year. The free training will take place from 10 am to 3 pm on Thursday January 12th, 2023, at the Lakeport Library.
Hosted by Literacy Program Coordinator, Georgina Marie Guardado, and facilitated by Lake County Literacy Coalition Board Member, Pam Klier, participants will learn useful techniques for teaching adults to read.
No experience is needed and ongoing support and workshops are provided for tutors. Upon completion of the training, tutors will be matched with adult learners in a variety of settings around the county. Those who would like to help adults improve their literacy skills are encouraged to attend.
More than 43 million adults in the United States cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third-grade level, according to the ProLiteracy organization. Becoming a tutor can help someone to a better future. In addition to teaching literacy, the program offers services for GED and High School Equivalency test preparation, digital literacy, citizenship application assistance, written driving tests, and more.
For more information or to register for tutor training, please call 707-263-7633 or email literacy@lakecountyca.gov.
Visit the Lake County Library Website at http://library.lakecountyca.gov.
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