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Dan Bacher: California tribes slam water legislation, peripheral canal at summit

Posted by: Maven on November 21, 2009 at 8:27 am

From Dan Bacher at IndyBay.org, this commentary:

“Indian Tribes from throughout the state held the first-ever water California Tribal Water Summit, entitled “Protect Our Sacred Water,” in conjunction with the Department of Water Resources, Sierra Fund, Planning and Conservation League and other organizations on November 4-5.

Ironically, the summit began just hours after California Legislators, with no consultation with the tribes, voted for a water policy and $11.1 billon water bond package that many tribal leaders believe will lead to the construction of a peripheral canal, more dams and the destruction of the California Delta.

The $11.1 water bond and water policy package was one of the hottest topics of the discussion over the two-day period. One tribal leader after another criticized the Legislature and Schwarzenegger administration for not engaging with the tribes as partners in government to government relations and consulting with the tribes on the legislation.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was originally scheduled to speak to the summit participants by video on day two of the summit. Instead, Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman addressed the group, praising the water package passed by the legislature for being “milestone” legislation providing for “comprehensive water reform to rebuild a seriously deteriorated system.”

“The $11.1 billion bond will help address drought relief, Delta sustainability, watershed conservation, water storage, and water clean up, and the two co-equal goals of ecosystem restoration and water supply,” said Chrisman. “It is a truly historic measure the effects of which will be felt for generations to come.” … “

Read more of this commentary from IndyBay.org by clicking here.

November 21, 2009 · Filed Under Legislation - State & Federal

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