CFBF leaders seek water solutions in Washington
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 17, 2010 at 7:54 amFrom the California Farm Bureau Federation:
“While farmers wait for federal officials to update water allocations from the Central Valley Project and for a preliminary evaluation from a National Academy of Sciences committee of stresses facing delta fish, California Farm Bureau Federation leaders visited the nation’s capital to discuss these issues and many others with elected representatives and administration officials.
Both the updated CVP water allocation and the NAS report are expected to be made public this week, but had not been announced by the Ag Alert deadline.
In its initial allocation announcement last month, the CVP warned that farm customers both north and south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta could see allocations as low as 5 percent, but that water deliveries could reach as high as 30 percent south of the delta and 100 percent to the north, if precipitation remains at least average this winter. … “
Continue reading this article from the California Farm Bureau Federation by clicking here.
Alex Brietler: Supporting the bond? Just fill in the blanks
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 16, 2010 at 5:29 amFrom Alex Brietler’s blog:
“The Association of California Water Agencies is making it easy for its members to endorse next November’s $11.1 billion water bond.
ACWA has published a handy-dandy kit for member agencies, complete with talking points, draft resolutions and pre-written press releases. All a water district manager has to do is fill in the blanks, email it to the media, and there you have a thoughtful, carefully crafted and individualized public proclamation.
The first sentence of the suggested press release:
“The _____ Board of Directors today voted to adopt a position of support for an $11.14 billion water bond set for the November 2010 ballot.” … “
Continue reading Alex Brietler’s blog by clicking here.
ACWA Legislative Symposium slated for March 17
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 16, 2010 at 5:00 amFrom the Association of California Water Agencies:
“SACRAMENTO, CA — 03/15/10 — The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) will host its annual Legislative Symposium on Wednesday, March 17, at the Sacramento Convention Center. The program will focus on the historic legislative water package passed in November by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Attendees will hear from representatives of the state agencies responsible for implementing the legislation, and their initial plans for improving the Delta ecosystem while ensuring reliable water deliveries. Other specific topics include improving the feasibility of desalination projects and potential fee increases imposed by an economically ailing state.
Panelists include Phil Isenberg, Chair of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force in 2007-2008, Delta Protection Commission Chair Don Nottoli and Department of Water Resources Director Mark Cowin. Other speakers include Dan Pellissier, Governor Schwarzenegger’s deputy cabinet secretary, Mesa Consolidated Water District General Manager Paul Shoenberger, Sierra Club Senior Advocate Jim Metropulos, State Water Resources Control Board Chair Charles R. Hoppin, State and Consumer Services Agency Acting Secretary Tom Sheehy, and Friant Water Authority Government Affairs Manager Glenn Farrel.
WHAT: ACWA 2010 Legislative Symposium
WHEN: Wednesday, March 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Sacramento Convention Center, Rooms 307/308ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 450 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.
Fresno forum discusses bond issue and the future of our supply
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 16, 2010 at 4:44 amFrom the Visalia Times-Delta:
“FRESNO — Is our water running out? How much will it cost to purchase a gallon in a few years?
Such questions were raised Saturday at a “Water Forum: Facts vs. Fiction” conference at Fresno City College.
The event, organized by The Water Consortium, included a debate over November’s water-bond proposition, which would generate $11.5 million for the construction of canals, dams and storage facilities. … “
Continue reading this article from the Visalia Times-Delta by clicking here.
A bond measure worth considering, says editorial
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 15, 2010 at 7:16 amFrom the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin:
“This is not a great year to have an $11.1 billion water bond measure on the November ballot.
The economy is in the tank, the state’s fiscal condition is in the toilet, jobs are still being flushed – choose your watery metaphor. It’s a bad time to take on more debt and a lousy time to ask voters to approve a bond measure.
But this particular bond measure will need your full consideration over the next seven months. It’s important.
We don’t say that lightly. We wrote in an October 2004 editorial recommending no votes on that November’s bond measures that the state could no longer afford to borrow money. We’ve maintained that stance since, except for recommending a highway bond measure in 2006 (when we said no to four other bonds) because we deemed the highway work so important.
This water bond measure is much more important than the highway money because this one could stave off a disaster – an actual disaster. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the Inland Daily Bulletin by clicking here.
House Water and Power Subcommittee oversight hearing – remarks by Representative Tom McClintock
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 15, 2010 at 7:10 am
From Congressman Tom McClintock:
“WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight hearing today on the FY 2011 Administration Budget Request for the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). The attached remarks are by Representative Tom McClintock:
I’d like to express my concern from the outset that the Bureau of Reclamation is quickly becoming the Bureau of Water Shortage and Dam Destruction. The budget before us today is symbolic of that transformation.
The Bureau of Reclamation was established to “make the desert bloom.” Today, it provides water to 31 million consumers, irrigates 10 million acres of farmland and provides enough clean, cheap and abundant hydroelectricity to power 3.5 million homes. It would take roughly 67 million barrels of heating oil or 21 million tons of coal to produce an equal amount of power.
Despite these successes, the agency’s mission is being undermined by constant environmental litigation, a shift toward outrageously expensive urban water recycling programs and what can only be described as “analysis paralysis” when it comes to meeting the next generation’s water needs through new dams, aqueducts and reservoirs.
Saturday’s top of the scroll: Nevada Irrigation District board members question ACWA head on pending water bond: Do coequal values necessarily mean coequal benefits?
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 13, 2010 at 8:13 amFrom YubaNet.com:
“Making a rare appearance on March 10 before Nevada Irrigation District’s board, Tim Quinn, executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), offered a broad overview of California’s recently approved water legislation and the state’s controversial $11.4 billion bond up for voter consideration in November.
“We represent a large number of diverse public agencies, almost 450,” Quinn began, noting that ACWA membership includes agricultural and urban interests spanning California’s coastal, inland, and Sierra regions. “ACWA’s function is to bring all varied views together into a common interest. We never forget local interests but pretty much check provincialism at the door,” Quinn added, referring to his organization’s over 30-member board. NID’s general manager Ron Nelson is an ACWA director and Region 3 vice-chair.
On the water policy package passed by voters in November 2009, Quinn waxed generally positive. “It is a powerful piece of legislation,” he stated. “While no legislation is perfect — and I don’t like some of the compromises — it is built around the notion of coequal values.” … “
Continue reading this article from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
Friday’s top of scroll: Water issue bridges divide for California lawmakers: Lawmakers call for faster action.
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 12, 2010 at 5:59 amFrom the Fresno Bee:
“Three California lawmakers who often disagree sharply on environmental protection priorities found one thing Thursday on which they could agree: Federal irrigation officials in Sacramento aren’t moving fast enough to resolve the state’s water woes.
The lawmakers from across the political spectrum voiced continued frustration with the Obama administration’s handling of the state’s water problems during a budget hearing that was convened as a routine oversight session.
Underscoring bipartisan anger, Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, warned that he was “deeply concerned” with the performance of federal irrigation officials. A leading environmentalist, Miller suggested “new leadership” may be needed in the Bureau of Reclamation’s large Mid-Pacific Region.
“They seem overwhelmed,” Miller said. “They don’t seem to have a sense of urgency.”
Miller’s stern words were echoed at a House subcommittee hearing by two lawmakers who often disagree with him on environmental protection priorities, Reps. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and Tom McClintock, R-Granite Bay. The chorus added pressure on the officials who divvy up water among fish, farms and cities.
“We need them to understand the urgency of the crisis,” Costa said. … “
Continue reading this article from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.
Dan Bacher: Wolk slams “business as usual” Delta management
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 10, 2010 at 6:23 amFrom Dan Bacher at IndyBay.org:
“State Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) strongly criticized the Department of Water Resources and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Bay Delta Conservation Plan for moving “full speed ahead” on the path to the construction of a peripheral canal even before the Delta Stewardship Council is appointed.
Wolk issued her statement following a joint hearing on March 9 of State Assembly and Senate committees on the funding and implementation of the 2009 legislative package on water.
“It is business as usual, and discouraging,” said Wolk, a member of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water, which convened the informational hearing along with the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife. “My worst fears were confirmed today. The train has left the station and is not stopping for anything, including the Delta Stewardship Council.”
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, in collaboration with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, rammed the water policy/water bond package through a special session of the Legislature in early November 2009 in face of massive opposition by fishing groups, California Indian Tribes, Delta farmers, northern California water agencies, environmental justice advocates and the vast majority of the state’s environmental organizations.
Wolk and other Delta legislators, including Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo), Senator Mark Desaunier (D-Concord) and Alyson Huber (D-El Dorado Hills), opposed the legislation because they feared it would only clear the path to the construction of a peripheral canal and the Delta’s destruction. Today their fears were completely realized.
“The whole thrust of this Delta reform legislation was to ensure that the Delta would have a true steward with independent and transparent decision-making authority to craft a plan for the Delta,” said Wolk. “Unfortunately, the testimony given today shows that the Department of Water Resources and the Bay Delta Conservation Plan are moving full speed ahead, executing contracts and making decisions even before the Delta Stewardship Council is appointed. This is a 50-year plan, so it needs to be done right, not rushed to meet an arbitrary deadline.” … “
Continue reading this article at IndyBay.org by clicking here.
Water policy should be comprehensive, says editorial
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 10, 2010 at 6:19 amFrom the Visalia Times-Delta:
“Sacramento lawmakers are preparing to take action to prevent water transfers from agriculture users to urban users. A bill in the Legislature would prevent sale of water from an ag user to an urban user for a contract that lasts more than 10 years. It is a stopgap measure at best, but at least it sends the message that water rights ought to be retained by ag interests where that is applicable.
Better would be a comprehensive state water policy that addresses all issues related to water, including transfers. California and its citizens recognize the importance of water to our state and region. Voters have passed bonds for water conservation and development. The Legislature has proposed and approved any number of measure that deal with water. Plans for water projects and strategies continue to circulate.
It’s about time the state combine them all into a comprehensive policy. … “
Continue reading this article from the Visalia Times-Delta by clicking here.
Long way to go for water bond until November ballot
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 10, 2010 at 6:15 amFrom the San Diego News Room:
California might need to find a different solution to its water problems, if poll results showing voter support of the proposed $11 billion water bond are any indication.
More than 55 percent of 600 Californians polled would vote no on the measure, according to a study released by Tulchin Research on Feb. 19. Further analysis of the findings by Tulchin shows that nearly three times as many voters strongly oppose the bond as strongly support it: “32 percent of voters indicate they will definitely vote no on the bond if the election were held today compared to only 12 percent of voters who would definitely vote yes.”
“Voters recognize this bond as bad water policy and bad fiscal policy at a time when California is drowning in red ink,” said Sierra Club California’s Jim Metropulos in a statement regarding the poll. “We need clean water and we need a better water policy, but this bond is not going to get us there.” … “
Continue reading this article from the San Diego News Room by clicking here.
Congressman Nunes ready to let water flow
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 5, 2010 at 8:37 amFrom the Capital Press:
“Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., says he is helping to pave the way for a suspension of federal species protections on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in hopes that Republicans will gain control of Congress this year.
A bill being introduced by Nunes, titled the California Water Reliability Act, would immediately restore full allocations to the San Joaquin Valley from the beleaguered Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
The bill would require lifting federal Endangered Species Act restrictions on the Delta, an idea that has long remained a political non-starter. But Nunes believes that scenario will change if Republicans gain control of the House in November, spokesman Andrew House said.
“The Congressman is drawing a very strong (distinction) between what he calls dustbowl Democrats and what he feels is the right policy for Californians,” House said. “He feels it’s his job to contrast what the Democrats are doing with what the Republicans would be doing if they were in control.” … “
Read more from the Capital Press by clicking here.
Tuesday’s top of scroll: Bill aims to stop farmers from selling water pacts
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 2, 2010 at 8:04 amFrom the Fresno Bee:
“How can Valley farmers ask for more water if they are making money selling what they already have to cities outside the region? It has happened only a few times in the last couple of decades. But one time is too many for a Valley lawmaker who has introduced legislation to stop the practice for state water contractors.
Assembly Member Juan Arambula, I-Fresno, said the ag-to-city transfers make it harder to build sympathy for the Valley’s farm water plight.
“What am I going to tell folks when farmers sell their water and put farmworkers out of a job — and they make millions at the public’s expense?” said Arambula, who has long pushed for state water investments in the Valley.
Arambula’s bill likely will face opposition from Valley water officials who say the drought and pumping cutbacks leave some growers with no choice but to cash in on their water allocations from the State Water Project.
“Very few of these sales are voluntary,” said Don Mills, chairman of the Kings County Water Commission, which advises that county on water issues. “The economics are forcing the farmers to sell the water.” … “
Continue reading this story from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.
SF Chronicle editorial: A truce in the water wars
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on March 1, 2010 at 8:06 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle, this editorial:
“A mighty turn of the federal faucet has ended the latest chapter in California’s water wars. A wet winter that’s filling rivers and reservoirs will let Washington dole out extra supplies for cities, farms and wildlife and cap a political rebellion in the San Joaquin Valley.
The outcome is clearly welcome. After three dry years, heavy rains and snowfall have all but ended drought conditions, leading federal water authorities – and state officials to a lesser extent – to forecast healthy flows to water systems and agricultural districts. It’s a commonsense conclusion, no doubt spurred by the reality of an election year and high jobless rates in valley towns.
The move has another beneficial side effect. It buys time for negotiation and study in the multilayered dispute over sharing a precious resource in a growing state. California’s water supply remains fragile, burdened by competing uses, legal fights, crumbling concrete and brutal politics.
That’s why the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation decision is timely. It cancels a showdown over a provocative pledge by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to grab water for farmers on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. The newly promised water releases match the amount she was after, and led her to table her unfortunate tactic. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Congressman Nunes: Dust bowl Democrats
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 27, 2010 at 8:37 am
From the blog of Congressman Devin Nunes:
“As you will recall, on February 11th the Dust Bowl Democrats public relations machine touted a new water amendment that would mandate 40% of normal deliveries to our region. Despite the fact that nobody was allowed to read the proposal, valley newspapers, Democrats and farm groups naively rallied to support it.
I have been heavily criticized for suggesting valley residents read and understand the Democrats’ proposal prior to endorsing it— particularly since many of our region’s “leaders” did not do so themselves. For my part, I was not willing to jump onto the Dust Bowl bandwagon for the sake of political expedience, good press or some misguided notion of bi-partisanship. … “
Continue reading this post on Congressman Devin Nunes’ blog by clicking here.
Whitman: Water bond has billions in ‘unnecessary expenses’
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 27, 2010 at 8:13 amFrom the Planning & Conservation League’s Green Roots blog:
“Opponents, including the Planning and Conservation League, of the $11.1 billion water bond that will appear on the November ballot seized on remarks Thursday by gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman, who conceded that the bond is chock full of “unnecessary expenses.”
“Meg Whitman is right on one thing,” said Jennifer Clary, Water Policy Analyst at Clean Water Action and a member of the No on the Water Bond campaign. “The water bond has billions of dollars in pork and unwise expenditures built in. Those billions in extras reflect horse-trading to get votes for the bond, not to address California’s legitimate water needs.”
Whitman spoke Thursday in San Diego, and said of the bond, “There is probably $2 to $3 billion in unnecessary expenses in that bill.” Nonetheless, she supported the bond measure, implying that it would be too difficult to renegotiate the bond in Sacramento. … “
Whitman backs water bond
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 26, 2010 at 6:32 amFrom the San Diego Union Tribune:
“Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman on Thursday endorsed the $11.2 billion water bond on the November ballot.
“It is not a perfect bill by any stretch of the imagination,” the former eBay CEO said in a speech to the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce in Mission Valley. “There is probably $2 to $3 billion in unnecessary expenses in that bill.”
But she said failure of the bond to pass would deal California a major setback. … “
Continue reading this article from the San Diego Union Tribune by clicking here.
California agricultural-district lawmakers denounce water bond
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 26, 2010 at 6:30 amFrom the Capital Press:
“Two lawmakers representing agricultural districts say the huge water bond passed by the legislature in October is unworkable.
Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis, represents a chunk of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the focus of a package of legislation focused on long-term management of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the hub of the state’s water-delivery system. The bond, one piece of the package, is scheduled to go before voters in November.
Wolk said voters will turn it down — partly because of the state’s dismal economy, and partly because the bill package as a whole is unworkable.
Enthusiasm for the package of bills “is not shared by many who live, work, fish or farm in the Delta or in Northern California,” Wolk said. “And surprisingly, despite all the press conferences and a cascade of misleading economic data about unemployment in the Central Valley, it appears that a majority of Californians aren’t ready to trust (claims supporting the legislative package) by voting for the largest water bond in state history.”
Wolk and Assemblyman Bill Berryhill, R-Ceres, spoke at a Feb. 22 forum staged by Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento … ”
Read more from the Capital Press by clicking here.
This just in … California senators invited to meeting on water
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 25, 2010 at 9:34 amFrom the Fresno Bee:
“Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s controversial bid to divert more water to Valley farms didn’t get the traction she might have once hoped for in a Senate bill approved Wednesday.
But Feinstein’s bid still might be gaining steam.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar quietly invited Feinstein and California’s other senator, Barbara Boxer, and a number of House members to meet late this afternoon. The unusual, closed-door session will occur just as the Interior Department prepares a crucial water allocation decision.
“I hope this shows [Salazar] understands how important [this] is,” said Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, adding that “when the administration calls to discuss an issue that’s this important to my district, I’ll certainly attend.”
The Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation typically makes its initial water allocation announcement by the end of February. This year’s initial allocation is expected to take place Friday. … “
More from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.
Thursday’s top of scroll: California water diversion plan ‘a work in progress,’ Feinstein says
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 25, 2010 at 8:42 amFrom the Fresno Bee:
“Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s controversial bid to divert more water to San Joaquin Valley farms has prompted furious maneuvering but no agreement. Behind the scenes, negotiators are swapping ideas. In public, though, the Senate on Wednesday approved a streamlined jobs bill that excluded all amendments, including Feinstein’s water proposal.
“I am trying to work something out,” Feinstein said in an interview late Wednesday afternoon. “It is a work in progress. It is not complete.”
Feinstein pleased farmers and angered environmentalists, salmon fishermen and some congressional Democrats last week with plans for rewriting environmental protections in order to boost irrigation deliveries. She initially suggested adding the water amendment to the jobs bill.
The Senate approved the $15 billion jobs bill on a 70-28 margin, with no amendments of any kind permitted.
Now, the proposed water amendment remains in draft form while the idea of it has goaded members of California’s fractious water community to start negotiating.
It’s a multidimensional dilemma. … “
Continue reading this story from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.
Broad-based coalition of environmentalists, farmers, business, labor, and water agencies formed to support water bond on November ballot
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 25, 2010 at 8:10 amFrom PR Newswire, this press release:
“Today the committee in support of the Safe, Clean & Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010 (water bond) on the November ballot announced the formation of a broad-based and diverse coalition of organizations supporting the bond representing environmentalists, farmers, business, labor, water agencies and community groups. The coalition – named the Alliance for Clean Water and Jobs – will be working between now and November to educate the voters about the dire need to pass the water bond to begin reversing decades of neglect in our state’s water system.
The committee released a list of dozens of organizations that have formally supported the water bond in just a few short weeks. Coalition members said the list would continue to grow exponentially in the coming months to include representatives from virtually all walks of California life. Coalition partners plan a months’ long effort to educate California voters through grassroots, media, social media and online campaign strategies. The coalition’s website will be www.waterforca.com and will serve as an informational portal and online organizing tool throughout the campaign. The campaign has also launched a Facebook page.
“California’s water system is outdated and straining to meet the needs of its families, farms, businesses and environment,” said Jim Earp, Executive Director of the California Alliance for Jobs and co-chair of the committee. “Unless action is taken, experts warn that our state will face continued water shortages, the potential for catastrophic failure of our water delivery system, and environmental collapse in areas vital to wildlife and drinking water. We simply cannot let that happen. Already, a broad and diverse coalition of organizations has come together to ensure the water bond passes in November. We’re confident that when voters understand the benefits of the bond for our economy, environment and quality of life, as well as the severe consequences of inaction, they’ll support this measure in November.” … “
Continue reading this press release at PR Newswire by clicking here.
Top of scroll: No amendments accepted on jobs bill
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 24, 2010 at 9:15 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle this morning:
“California Sen. Dianne Feinstein wanted to add to the jobs bill an amendment to increase water allotments to farmers in the San Joaquin Valley – but no amendments were accepted. … “
More on this brief story by clicking here.
Well, although DiFi might try again somewhere else, that sort of makes these other two stories moot points, at least for now, perhaps, but here they are anyway. Congressman Costa argues for the amendment in this morning’s San Francisco Chronicle:
” … With above average runoff expected, there is no reason the state and federal water project pumps should not be running at or near full capacity. Instead, because of restraints on the pumping, we are losing between 10,000 and 18,000 acre-feet of water per day that could be going into storage in the San Luis Reservoir for future water deliveries throughout the state. Unless changes are made quickly, the net result could be more than 1 million acre-feet of water lost over the next four months with no meaningful benefit to the delta.
I have tried to reach solutions with everyone involved with California water to end this unsound policy, keep the pumps running at full capacity and improve delta health. The lack of support from the Bay Area congressional delegation is unwarranted and shocking. The proposed Feinstein amendment is not the final fix to ensure sustainable water for the San Joaquin Valley, but it will help provide a minimal water supply for the next two years.”
From the California Farm Bureau Federation:
“Calling it a responsible short-term response to the state’s water crisis, California farmers and ranchers urged support of a proposed amendment to federal legislation that could immediately increase water supplies for farms and cities during the next two years.
If adopted by Congress, supporters said the emergency, temporary measure would help the state gain needed time to hammer out more permanent solutions to the state’s dire water supply problems.
In a letter to key members of Congress, California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger called on senators to support the proposed Emergency Temporary Water Supply Amendment being developed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. The amendment would be attached to the jobs bill currently under Senate consideration. … “
Read more of this article from the California Farm Bureau Federation by clicking here.
Vote may delay Clean Water Restoration Act legislation
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 24, 2010 at 8:36 amFrom the Western Farm Press:
“Many farmers and ranchers have low places that hold water on their land during the rainy season. Those prairie potholes or playa lakes or dry washes rarely get more than a passing thought for most of the year.
But they could begin to loom much larger in farm and ranch operators’ minds if a bill that is currently stalled in the Senate begins to gain traction, a Washington representative for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says.
The bill, the Clean Water Restoration Act, which has been introduced and re-introduced by Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. But a hold placed on the bill by Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, has prevented further action from being taken on it.
“The Clean Water Restoration Act is a huge issue to the cattle business,” says Colin Woodall, vice president, government affairs, for the NCBA. “It would redefine what the waters of the United States are, the waters that the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency have jurisdiction over. … “
Read more from the Western Farm Press by clicking here.
Tuesday’s top of the scroll: Huffman’s bill would elevate the humble salmon to official state fish & establish goals for restoration
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2010 at 7:56 amFrom the Central Valley Business Times:
“The Chinook salmon, largest of the Pacific salmons and once in abundance in the Central Valley where they spawn in the rivers and creeks, would become California’s official state anadromous fish under a bill authored by Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael.
But the bill would do more.
It establishes a state goal to restore Chinook salmon to sustainable levels within a decade. The population of the fish has declined dramatically in recent years to the point where some feel it is headed toward extinction.
Mr. Huffman’s bill also calls on the state Department of Fish and Game to work collaboratively with public and private partners to restore Chinook salmon, and to prioritize conservation planning efforts for recovery of Chinook and other types of salmon. … “
Read more from the Central Valley Business Times by clicking here.
Feinstein water plan crucial for farmers, says editorial
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2010 at 7:49 amFrom the Modesto Bee, this editorial:
“We have always supported a balanced approach to dividing up California’s limited water supply — one that that recognizes the needs of protecting the environment, providing drinking water to urban residents and giving farmers a fair share of this crucial resource.
But water allocations for agriculture on the San Joaquin Valley’s West Side have been far from equitable. Federal law and court decisions have led to thousands of acres of farmland being taken out of production, caused economic devastation to some of our the valley’s poorest communities, and severely damaged our ag-based economy.
We were pleased when Sen. Dianne Feinstein proposed an amendment to the federal jobs bill that would temporarily modify pumping restrictions and give farmers up to 40 percent of their normal allocation. Many farmers along the valley’s West Side received only 10 percent of their federal allotments last year, and fear they will receive event less next year. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the Modesto Bee by clicking here.
Commentary: Senator Feinstein considering legislation to override the Endangered Species Act
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2010 at 7:47 amFrom the Huffington Post, this commentary by Led Huta, executive director of the Endangered Species Coaliton:
“The magnificent San Francisco Bay and Sacramento River Delta is the largest estuary on the West Coast of North America and the source of the California salmon fishery which provides thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of income to the economy. Tragically, one of the nation’s most important ecosystems is collapsing and the salmon populations are endangered. Last week, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council announced California’s once abundant salmon runs came in at a new all time record low in 2009.
Unfortunately, greedy water users are putting heavy pressure on Senator Feinstein to introduce legislation to waive Endangered Species Act protections to these endangered fisheries which could have disastrous consequences for California’s iconic salmon fishery. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Senator Feinstein is attempting to attach language to the Senate jobs bill that would “divert Northern California water to Central Valley farmers.” … “
Continue reading this commentary by clicking here.
State Board of Food and Agriculture supports Feinstein’s water efforts
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2010 at 7:43 amFrom the State Board of Food & Agriculture, this press release:
“SACRAMENTO, February 22, 2010 – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture today expressed support for Senator Dianne Feinstein’s current efforts to address California’s ongoing drought. Al Montna, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture made the following statement.
“We are pleased that Senator Dianne Feinstein is engaged on this issue and we would be happy to help her in anyway possible. California farmers, ranchers and rural communities are facing significant challenges as a result of the ongoing drought – jobs are being impacted and communities are in need. Allowing drought impacted farmers flexibility within the water system to hire, plant and harvest with 30-40 percent of water allocations is a positive step forward. Addressing California’s water challenge, while balancing ecosystem needs, is vital for our Central Valley communities.”
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and secretary of food and agriculture of findings as they impact agriculture and consumer needs. The board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives, and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture. “
PCL blog: Talk of the town: Media joins outcry over Feinstein’s push to remove protections for endangered species
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2010 at 7:40 amFrom the Planning & Conservation League’s Green Roots blog:
“The state’s editorial boards have voiced near unanimous opposition to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s plans to eviscerate protections for California’s endangered chinook salmon.
Feinstein announced last week that she is preparing a rider to a federal jobs bill to suspend rules protecting the iconic fish. As reported last week, if passed, this last minute maneuver would allow much more water to be pumped out of the ecologically-fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, sucking more salmon and other fish to their deaths in the giant water pumping facilities.
As the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “the rider defies court rulings, endangered-species protections and scientific studies, in order to ship delta water south for farming.” … “
Commentary: United Farm Workers against California water bond
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 23, 2010 at 7:15 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle, this commentary by Arturo Rodriguez, president of the United Farm Workers:
“Expensive water: $11 billion, or $800 million in annual debt payments for the next 30 years. That’s how much Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s water bond will cost California’s taxpayers and their children to subsidize the agricultural industry for decades to come.
Gov. Schwarzenegger obviously agrees that water is valuable and essential to human life. Yet, every time a farmworker dies from heat-related illness or dehydration, we’re told that the state can’t afford the cost of enforcing the laws to protect him or her.
The water bond that was recently approved by our lawmakers will give agricultural companies billions more in subsidized water. The state treasurer has asked the right question: Why aren’t these giant ag industry operators paying for their water like everyone else?
The $800 million per year in annual bond payments required under the new water bond is more than California spends on health care for farmworkers and their children, more than the entire worker-safety budget, more than on farmworker housing, more than on pesticide regulations and food safety. In fact, it’s more than all those things added together. … “
Continue reading this commentary at the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Feinstein should heed call: Water plan oversteps, says editorial
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 22, 2010 at 8:18 amFrom the Vacaville Reporter, this editorial:
“Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s attempt to regulate by federal fiat the Delta water allocations to the Central Valley is wrong-headed and she should withdraw the proposal, as recommended Thursday by a coalition of congressional representatives.
Solano County’s representatives, George Miller and John Garamendi, were among 11 West Coast legislators who asked the senator to back away from her plan to amend a jobs bill to allow Central Valley farmers to receive up to 40 percent of their federal water allocations during the next two years. Last year, those farmers received only 10 percent of their allocations, which has idled some farmland and pushed up unemployment among agricultural workers.
There is no doubt that the Central Valley agricultural industry is suffering. But so is the fishing industry in Northern California and Oregon, which estimates it has lost 23,000 jobs because of the repeated cancellation of salmon season. The collapse of the chinook salmon population — fewer than 40,000 returned to the Sacramento River this year, down from more than 750,000 in 2002 — has been linked, in part, to too much water being diverted out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. … “
Continue reading this editorial from The Vacaville Reporter by clicking here.
Congressman Costa and Cardoza tell Chairwoman Napolitano that potential Senate amendment is vital to valley families and workers
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 22, 2010 at 8:15 amFrom the website of Congressman Jim Costa:
“[Friday the 18th], Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) sent a letter to Chairwoman of the Water and Power Subcommittee, Grace Napolitano, urging her support of the proposed Emergency Temporary Water Supply Legislation.
Costa has been working with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Congressman Cardoza and local agriculture and water groups on an amendment to increase the amount of water allocated to Valley farms for the next two years. If successful, it will benefit California’s economy and save tens of thousands of jobs in the San Joaquin Valley. “
You can read the Costa/Cardoza letter to Napolitano by clicking here.
Sunday’s top of the scroll: Feinstein water transfer bill would hurt salmon, destroy wetlands, critics say
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 21, 2010 at 8:20 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“Sen. Dianne Feinstein has proposed legislation to make it easier to transfer water to San Joaquin Valley farmers from other areas of the state, part of her ongoing effort to help farmers contending with water shortages.
Feinstein made headlines last week with a controversial proposal to amend a federal jobs bill to guarantee San Joaquin Valley farmers 40 percent of their contract water deliveries from the federal government.
Her “Water Transfer Facilitation Act” has received far less attention. It was approved by a Senate committee in December and awaits a floor vote.
The bill aims to streamline regulations surrounding water transfers among Central Valley farmers and water districts, who generally get their water in one of two ways: Some have actual rights to a specified allotment from rivers; others buy water under contract with the federal government. … “
Continue reading this story at the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
Dozens gather at Fresno City Hall to call for votes in water battle
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 21, 2010 at 8:16 amFrom Fresno’s KMPH:
“Over a dozen valley leaders gathered at Fresno City Hall on Friday, calling on voters to help them in the battle for water.
Senator Dianne Feinstein wants to attach a so–called ‘rider’ to the jobs bill in the hopes of helping valley farmers. The “Emergency Temporary Water Supply” amendment would ensure farmers and water districts get 40% of their normal allocations.
“Senator Feinstein has been courageous and has been a strong advocate on behalf of the valley,” Congressman Jim Costa said live on Great Day. “We are supporting her 100%,” echoed Latino Water Coalition Spokesperson Paul Rodriguez.
Not everyone feels the way Costa and Rodriguez do. On Thursday, 12 members of Congress sent Senator Feinstein a letter asking her to pull this plan. … “
Continue reading this story at KMPH by clicking here.
I think videos portray meetings better than the written story. Here’s the video:
Feinstein must stay out of water fight, says editorial
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 21, 2010 at 8:11 amFrom the Daily Breeze, this editorial:
“The one shining bipartisan accomplishment of the California Legislature in recent years was the complex, comprehensive water deal enacted last fall.
Now, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is lobbing a bomb into that agreement that could blow it to smithereens – putting the needs of San Joaquin Valley agribusiness above the overall best interests of California.
Feinstein should not have undermined a political process that actually won consensus. She should end her bid to send more Delta water south to agribusiness and let the state continue its balanced approach to protecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem and providing an adequate supply of water to both cities and farmers.
In effect, Feinstein is saying that in a moment of crisis, she as a politician knows better than anyone else what needs to be done.
That’s precisely what everyone involved in the bipartisan agreement is trying to avoid. The coalition of environmentalists, politicians, fishermen, farmers and tourist industry representatives are calling for science to drive the process. … “
Continue reading this editorial from the Daily Breeze by clicking here.
Point/Counterpoint: Should the water bond be OK’d? Even 400 miles away, the issue is vital to the desert
Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on February 21, 2010 at 8:03 amFrom MyDesert.com:
“There was jubilation at sunrise last fall when the California Legislature approved a six-bill package to resolve issues surrounding the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Lawmakers had been debating for decades about how to fortify the levees, expand water storage, rebuild the State Water Project and protect endangered fish. The package passed at 6 a.m. after an all-night session.
It was a shining moment of bipartisan cooperation in a year that saw few of those in Sacramento. It will mean nothing without the money.
Part of the package is an $11.1 billion state bond that will be on the Nov. 2 ballot. … “
Continue reading this introductory article to the commentaries by clicking here.
Arguing for passage of the water bond is Sue Sims, chief deputy director of the California Department of Water Resources:
“Our winter storms have begun to replenish California’s water supplies, but it may not mean much for farms and cities this year, especially in the central and southern parts of the state.
Following three years of drought, low reservoir levels and restrictions on pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to protect that ecosystem, the initial allocation of State Water Project deliveries was just 5 percent of the amount requested by water agencies. This is the lowest initial allocation since the state began delivering water in the 1960s.
The good news is that water deliveries will likely improve as a result of the recent rains and snowfall.
The bad news is that due to a number of factors — the ongoing drought, climate change impacts, aging infrastructure, growing population and an ecological crisis in a critical link of our state’s water system — our water supplies are more volatile and less reliable than ever before. … “
Continue reading this argument for the passage of the water bond by clicking here.
Arguing against passage of the water bond is Jim Metropulos, a senior advocate with the Sierra Club California in Sacramento:
“This November, California voters will vote on an $11.1 billion water bond. The Sierra Club opposed the water bond in the Legislature and will urge voters to reject it.
This bond would obligate the state to pay back more than $800 million in bond debt every year for the next 30 years. These payments would further stress our general fund, providing $800 million less for schools, parks, social services, police protection and fire services. It seems unwise to add these huge annual payments to a budget with a projected shortfall of $21 billion by 2011.
Certainly the state must invest in maintaining and improving our water infrastructure. Since 1996, California voters have approved over $14.3 billion in water-related bonds. The Sierra Club supported and voters approved Proposition 50, a $3.4 billion water bond in 2002, and Proposition 84, $5.4 billion water and parks bond in 2006. To this day, $7.1 billion of those bond dollars have not been spent. Shouldn’t the state spend this money prior to asking the voters to authorize more water bonds?
This proposed bond would not address our water problems in the most efficient way. It allocates only $250 million, a relatively small amount, for conservation and $1 billion for water recycling programs, but includes $4 billion to build new dams and expand existing ones. … “
Continue reading this argument against passage of the water bond by clicking here.
Aquafornia's Information Desk
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Recent Posts
- Science justifies California water limits
- Legal Planet blog: Delta NRC committee issues initial report
- Statement of the Coalition for Sustainable Delta on the NRC Bay-Delta report
- Center for Biological Diversity: Report finds Delta water pumping restrictions to protect fish “scientifically justified”
- Westlands Water District statement on the NAS Report
- Academy of Sciences report validates biological opinions to save salmon, other fish
- National Academies deliver mixed message on California Delta dilemma
- Statement of California Secretary for Natural Resources Lester Snow on the NAS report
- Senator Cogdill: California is rain rich, water poor
- Friday’s top of the scroll: NAS report backs biological opinions but still needs further study; also finds other ’stressors’ have hurt delta fish
- Links for National Academies of Science report
- Secretary Salazar’s statement on National Academy of Sciences review of California Bay Delta water issues
- National Academies of Science Report: Most federal actions to protect endangered fishes in California’s Bay-Delta ’scientifically justified,’ but additional clarification needed
- Costa and Cardoza deny health bill for water vote swap
- Westlands pilot project targets San Joaquin Valley salt water pollution
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