Maurice Hall
Vice President, Climate Resilient Water Systems
Work
As vice president of climate resilient water systems, Maurice Hall oversees Environmental Defense Fund’s work to manage groundwater more sustainably and revitalize working rivers and their ability to provide a resilient water supply. He focuses on developing collaborative water management approaches to meet ecosystem needs alongside the needs of farms and cities. Approaches central to this work include shaping water transaction programs that achieve resilient water supplies while protecting the environment and vulnerable communities, improving information systems to inform smart management of water resources, and shaping water governance that proactively considers multiple objectives and responds to climate change.
Background
Dr. Maurice Hall joined EDF in May 2016. Previously, he served as the Water Program Lead for the Water Funder Initiative, a collaborative effort to identify and activate promising water solutions through strategic philanthropic investments in the United States, starting in the American West.
He also spent seven years with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) where his roles included Science and Engineering Lead for the California Water Program. His work focused on improving our understanding of the relationship between hydrology and water-dependent ecosystems and developing integrated water management strategies to restore and protect ecosystems.
Maurice has also served as a senior engineer, scientist and project manager with CH2M Hill and EARTHWORKS Restoration, Inc., a California-based native habitat restoration firm. There he led and contributed to numerous watershed planning projects.
Education
- Ph.D., Earth Resources, Watershed Sciences, Colorado State University
- B.S., Engineering, Chemical, University of Tennessee Chattanooga
Registered Professional Civil Engineer, California
Latest pieces
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Keeping food on the table when water is scarce is a balancing act. This new app will help.
October 7, 2020
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Measuring irrigated water use has been a challenge for decades. This new tool will change that.
September 15, 2020
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A low snowpack makes it imperative to better manage groundwater supplies. Here’s how.
April 9, 2020
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Farms, the environment, and the future of water
September 11, 2019
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New currents of cooperation on California’s wicked water problems
May 14, 2019
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My turn: How Newsom can use water management to confront climate change
November 27, 2018
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Water missed the main stage at the Global Climate Action Summit. It should be front and center.
September 25, 2018
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How water managers can address surface water depletions – California’s “sixth deadly sin”
August 15, 2018
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Don’t be rushed in awarding water storage billions, California. Let’s take our time
April 21, 2018
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For California water managers, establishing new traditions takes time
February 16, 2018