California farmers deal with added regulatory burden because of state-imposed regulations. We need affordable and reliable energy. We can't pass on the costs of fuel, electricity and natural gas. We're price takers, not price makers. Recent increases in electric rates will push farmers deeper into the abyss.
Blackouts add injury to the rate increases that are coming soon.
Energy is not the only crisis we face. Blackouts threaten many segments of agriculture, but when water stops flowing, so will the benefits that farms and ranches provide. Look at what's happened in the Klamath Basin. Water has been cut off to Tulelake farmers because of environmental restrictions. A dry winter and commitments to salmon mean farmers will get no water.