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Blog commentary: California water woes need market solutions

Posted by: Maven on November 16, 2009 at 8:09 am

From Le Quebecois Libre, this blog commentary:

“The state of California used to be known above all else for its sun, surf, and sexy film stars. Lately, though, news stories about massive budget problems have obscured this idyllic vision. With many of the rich and famous among its tax base, and with an economy bigger than that of most countries, the government in Sacramento has its hat in its hand. And as if that were not enough to take the shine off the Golden State’s 24-karat image, residents have been living through a prolonged drought, now in its third straight year.

The drought has forced cities in the southern part of the state to ration water supplies. Its impact has been felt most keenly, though, by the farmers of the San Joaquin Valley, nestled between the Sierra Nevada and Coastal mountain ranges. In this dry but fertile land, sometimes called “the nation’s salad bowl,” farmers depend heavily on irrigation to grow most of the country’s fruits and vegetables. Less rain means less water for thirsty crops, and less work for farm labourers as more fields lie fallow. Adding insult to injury in many farmers’ eyes was a 2007 decision by Federal Judge Oliver Wanger. According to a recent article in The Economist, in order to protect the endangered delta smelt, Judge Wanger decreed that the amount of water pumped out of the Sacramento Delta—which supplies both valley farms and southern cities—had to be reduced by a third. … “

Read more of this blog commentary by clicking here.

November 16, 2009 · Filed Under Transfers

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