California Urged to Store Water, Not Panic Over Climate

Experts say state's climate data is being misinterpreted, leading to harmful policies

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A new analysis suggests California's climate data is being misinterpreted, leading state policymakers to pursue harsh water-rationing measures and policies aimed at shutting down the state's oil industry. The authors argue that California's rainfall and climate patterns are historically volatile, and the state should focus on building water storage capacity rather than panicking over climate change.

Why it matters

California's climate policies have had significant impacts on the state's economy and residents, including high fuel and water prices, and disruptions to the agriculture industry. This analysis challenges the scientific basis behind many of these policies, raising questions about whether they are warranted.

The details

The authors found that despite claims of perpetual drought, California's rainfall since 2000 is only 1.4% lower than the 100-year average, and temperature and humidity levels have remained virtually unchanged. They also note that historical records show California has experienced dramatic swings between drought and heavy rainfall long before industrialization. The authors argue the state should focus on building water storage capacity to prepare for volatile weather patterns, rather than pursuing policies aimed at combating climate change.

  • California has been under drought conditions roughly 61% of the time since the U.S. Drought Monitor began issuing designations in 2000.
  • In the past year, California has experienced several wet winters in a row, with rainfall around Southern California running well above average.

The players

Marc Joffe

A visiting fellow at the California Policy Center and co-author of 'A statistical review of the United States Drought Monitor.'

Edward Ring

Joffe's colleague who assisted in analyzing California's climate data.

Rep. Dave Min

A Democratic representative from Irvine who blamed the recent wildfires on climate change.

Sen. Scott Wiener

A Democratic state senator from San Francisco who declared the wildfires were proof of 'the new normal in California.'

Gov. Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who has made numerous statements linking climate change to extreme weather events in the state.

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What they’re saying

“Believe the science — and your own damn eyes.”

— Gov. Gavin Newsom (nypost.com)

“We are living in a new reality of extremes.”

— Gov. Gavin Newsom (nypost.com)

“Climate change has wreaked havoc on us because it dried out the foliage.”

— Rep. Dave Min, Democratic representative from Irvine (nypost.com)

“The fires were proof of 'the new normal in California'.”

— Sen. Scott Wiener, Democratic state senator from San Francisco (nypost.com)

What’s next

The authors plan to continue their analysis of California's climate data and push for policies focused on building water storage capacity rather than combating climate change.

The takeaway

This analysis challenges the scientific basis behind many of California's climate change policies, suggesting the state's climate patterns are historically volatile and the focus should be on preparing for that volatility through infrastructure investments, not drastic measures aimed at curbing emissions.