MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Cliff Mass to Shatner: Send California’s farms north

Jun 2, 2015, 11:02 AM | Updated: 12:32 pm

William Shatner may be on to something with his idea of providing California with Washington water,...

William Shatner may be on to something with his idea of providing California with Washington water, he just might have it backwards.

William Shatner may be on to something with his idea of providing California with Washington water, he just might have it backwards.

Shatner suggested the drought-ridden state take water from the more well-equipped Pacific Northwest. He went so far as to start a Kickstarter campaign to raise $30 billion to build a pipeline.

But why build an expensive water pipeline to an arid region with a large population to support agriculture, when the agriculture could be moved north?

“California needs to decrease its water-intensive agriculture, including switch to less water-hungry crops,” Cliff Mass wrote on his blog. “Less almonds, for example.”

Though the Pacific Northwest’s snowpack may be reduced by warming temperatures, it will “modestly” increase its total precipitation, according to Mass. He predicts the Northwest’s growing seasons will lengthen as temperatures warm.

There is a problem with the Northwest’s precipitation, however. Most of it falls during the winter, Mass pointed out. To adjust, Washington would need to build more reservoir capacity and use water more efficiently. Water rights must also be adjusted, as water is a communal resource, Mass wrote.

Meanwhile, California could decrease its acreage of crops and save more water.

“This year is giving us a taste of the future impact of global warming (even though the cause was natural),” Mass wrote. “No wonder a former starship captain is thinking about it.”

MyNorthwest News

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

45 minutes ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

4 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

5 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

6 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

7 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

8 hours ago

Cliff Mass to Shatner: Send California’s farms north