Ellen Bruno is an Associate Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Berkeley. Cooperative Extension economists like Bruno focus on applied research and outreach related to economic and policy issues that impact California’s agriculture and natural resources. Working closely with government agencies, environmental organizations, community groups, and the agricultural sector, Bruno and her colleagues provide accessible, research-based solutions that bridge local concerns with broader academic insights.
Bruno’s work primarily examines water resource management policies. Her recent projects include analyzing how agricultural groundwater use responds to price changes over time and investigating the factors that influence collective action and policy choices in California’s groundwater management. Her research supports the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), a landmark piece of legislation that promotes sustainable groundwater practices through locally developed Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
JL: Can you tell us more about your role within UC Berkley’s Cooperative Extension and how a Cooperative Extension Specialist operates within a community?
Bruno: In a general sense, we fulfill the University of California’s mission of public outreach by connecting our research with Californians who can benefit from it. Cooperative Extension is all about bridging the research happening at the university with people in the state who can put it to use. As one of the few economists in the Cooperative Extension network, my role is unique—I concentrate on providing economic insights specific to water resources and agricultural sustainability, aiming to fill a niche within the program. With regards to novel policies like SGMA, I get to explore research questions related to groundwater management, review the economic factors influencing Groundwater Sustainability Plans, and share insights directly with decision-makers in these local agencies. As such, I collaborate with irrigation district managers, water utility leaders, farmers, and other key stakeholders invested in California's water resources. I also share information with environmental justice organizations that are particularly concerned with equitable water access for underserved communities. My work ultimately seeks to balance economic feasibility with the environmental and social demands of water management, offering a distinct perspective that complements the natural science approaches of my colleagues.
JL: What would you say is the biggest challenge in groundwater resource management that you've encountered?
Bruno: In many regions around the world—and even within California—groundwater has become an increasingly critical resource, particularly in areas where agriculture is prevalent. However, groundwater use remains largely unregulated, leading to declining reserves. California’s Central Valley, for example, is one of the most agriculturally productive areas in the country, and as such has faced significant declines in its groundwater table over time. Climate change exacerbates this issue by increasing demand; when surface water becomes scarce, especially during droughts, farmers often turn to groundwater as an alternative to meet their crop needs. This reliance puts immense pressure on groundwater reserves, a resource that, historically, has been poorly managed and rarely monitored in much of California. Economists often consider this a classic example of market failure, where there’s a strong need for better management practices. Addressing these challenges and improving groundwater management has been a central focus of my research.
To this end, my work has centered on understanding the impact of California’s efforts to regulate groundwater. In analyzing the early effects of these regulations, I found no significant shifts in groundwater extraction or water-intensive investments in areas with stricter anticipated controls. This suggests that high private discount rates may drive producers to prioritize immediate returns over long-term regulatory impacts. These findings provide valuable insights for local agencies and policymakers, helping them design more timely and effective water management strategies.
JL: Beyond the people you collaborate with, are there other factors or experiences that drive your interest in this field?
Bruno: The majority of my work has focused on studying groundwater pricing as a potential policy tool for managing groundwater allocation, particularly in agriculture. Traditionally, landowners could drill wells and pump water with minimal cost, mostly just the electricity needed to extract it, so essentially, the water itself was free. This low cost has led to overuse, with groundwater tables dropping significantly over time.
To address this, I’ve been researching the effects of implementing a groundwater price or tax to discourage over-pumping. My work includes analyzing data from irrigation districts, like those in the Coachella Valley, where they actually charge for groundwater to fund replenishment efforts. Alongside economist Katrina Jessoe from UC Davis, we have studied how these price changes influence farmers' pumping decisions. While price isn't the sole factor in these decisions, it serves as a critical signal impacting water extraction. My research has isolated the effect of price adjustments alone—amid other factors influencing pumping choices—on water use behavior.
JL: As a final question, do you have any advice or words of motivation for young people starting their STEM careers, especially those interested in conservation or in exploring the economic side of these fields?
Bruno: I would say, start by finding what you're genuinely interested in and go from there. If you’re driven to work with communities or government and want your work to make an impact, a great place to begin is with a needs assessment. This means talking to the communities or individuals you’re interested in supporting, learning about the challenges they face, and seeing if your skills can help address those issues.
To maximize the impact of your research, keep the public informed. I regularly advertise webinars and make my research freely accessible on my website. Additionally, I present these findings at public events, fostering wider engagement and understanding.
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