Water Education Foundation
This is just one post in the Delta Issues Category
Click here to view all posts

Editorial: Don’t cause major drought in attempt to protect Delta ecosystem

Posted by: Maven on December 7, 2008 at 7:48 am

From the Contra Costa Times, this editorial regarding the latest lawsuit filed last week to stop Delta pumping:

While we support a broader consideration of the entire Delta ecosystem and all of the public benefits it offers, this latest legal action could do major economic harm in the middle of a recession.

The plaintiffs seek to stop water deliveries from the Delta until huge state and federal pumping stations near Tracy fully comply with laws environmentalists say are being broken. Limits on pumping already have been imposed by the courts. But the curbs are not sufficient to satisfy the groups that filed the lawsuit. They argue that the Delta ecosystem is collapsing rapidly and that more drastic action is necessary.

Perhaps, but we urge the court to carefully consider the enormous negative impact that is likely to result if the Delta water pumps are shut down. After all, the judicious use of water for agriculture is also a part of the public trust.

The state water resources department is understandably worried that closing the Delta pumps could cause the worst drought in California history. Such a calamity must not be allowed to happen.

No wonder water users are opposed to the use of the public trust doctrine in the Delta. Besides, the State Water Resources Control Board already is planning several actions over the next five years to address the Delta environment, conservation and efficient water use.

But that is not good enough for the groups pressing the lawsuit. They claim that the Delta ecosystem will falter in less than five years.

We doubt that will happen as long as pumping is decreased and is done in a manner that protects fish.

Read the full text of this editorial from the Contra Costa Times by clicking here.

December 7, 2008 · Filed Under Delta Issues

Comments

One Response to “Editorial: Don’t cause major drought in attempt to protect Delta ecosystem”

  1. Bill Diedrich on December 12th, 2008 10:58 pm

    We(CVP contractors, South of the Delta) have already been forced out of the row crop business in areas where there is no acceptable ground water. It is a shame because this soil will grow anything! All our permanent crops are on drip irrigation, a very substantial investment, and these trees will not come back after going dry for a year, which is what we are facing in 2009. Price of water eliminates any crops without high value. Food is a National Security issue, and we can grow lots of it. It’s a crime that the state has had no will to invest in water infrasturcture over the last 35 years, cause we are going to really pay the price over the next 10 years.

Leave a Reply