What emergency action did Governor Brown take in 2015 during the drought?

In 2015, during an unprecedented drought in California, Governor Brown ordered statewide water reductions as a critical measure to manage the severe water scarcity affecting the state. This decision was significant because it mandated a 25% reduction in urban water use across California, making it the first time in the state's history that such restrictions were imposed at a statewide level.

The context surrounding this action is essential. The drought had led to dwindling water supplies in reservoirs, significantly impacting agriculture, urban water delivery, and ecosystem health. By ordering these reductions, Governor Brown aimed to conserve water resources and promote more sustainable water usage among residents and businesses.

Other options, while related to water management, did not reflect the immediate emergency measures taken in response to the drought conditions of that year. For instance, instating local groundwater regulations, while important, was part of a broader long-term effort rather than an immediate emergency action. New reservoir construction and calling for federal aid for farmers were also relevant discussions, but they did not address the urgent need to reduce water consumption statewide. Thus, ordering statewide water reductions was the most direct and impactful action to address the immediate challenges posed by the drought.