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Monday’s top of the scroll: Delta environmental review begins amid skepticism

Posted by: Maven on January 25, 2010 at 8:31 am

From the Sacramento Bee:

” A cold classroom was the venue for something momentous and obscure Sunday evening: 15 scientists gathered from around the country to help solve the Delta’s environmental problems.

The independent panel appointed by the National Academy of Sciences officially begins its work this week, with a series of meetings on the University of California, Davis, campus through Thursday.

The review starts under a cloud of doubt following media reports that the panel’s formation can be attributed, at least in part, to the influence of wealthy farmers who depend on water exported from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

“I think there’s been too much news generated about our activities and we haven’t even started,” said Stephen Parker, director of water and science programs at the National Research Council, which oversees the panel. … “

Find out what happened at the first day of the meeting from Matt Weiser at the Sacramento Bee.

From the Fresno Bee:

The National Academies of Sciences on Sunday begins a series of meetings examining whether the federal government should lift or modify limits on pumping from California’s delta, restrictions farmers blame for a water shortage that has left once-fertile fields to wither.

At issue are two environmental plans written last year by federal wildlife agencies. Both are intended to protect threatened fish by restricting how much water can be pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The restrictions, combined with a three-year drought, have forced farmers to fallow thousands of acres and cities to impose severe water restrictions.

“We’re going to help point the way to the most optimal management solution that can be found,” said Stephen Parker, director of the academies’ Water Science and Technology Board. … “

Read more from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.

January 25, 2010 · Filed Under Delta Issues

Comments

One Response to “Monday’s top of the scroll: Delta environmental review begins amid skepticism”

  1. Michael Boccadoro on January 25th, 2010 10:58 am

    What struck me as facinating at yesterday’s NAS opening comment seesion was the backtracking by Jeff Mount. The “welcome” and positive tune he sang Sunday was far different that the quotes found in last Thursday’s Sacramento Bee. In the Bee he characterized the NAS review as ” a sideshow.” Sunday he praised the panel and their efforts as being critical. I am not sure what Mount and other local scientists are afraid of? But the facesaving Sunday was difficult to watch. Mount is a quality scientist who is hurting his reputation by playing politics of his own. Maybe Mount should stick to the science and encourage the NAS do what they do best. A little peer review by the nation’s leading scientific body will ensure we are putting our best foot forward and further ensure that we get it right before we waste a few more billion dollars chasing bad science.

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