This photo illustrates what happens when too much ground water is used over many years. San Joaquin Valley soils collapsed from excess ground water pumping. (photo by Richard Ireland, USGS)
Author Archives: Francine
Voices from the Floor: HR-1837 vs. Salmon
Please watch this excellent video that was created by our friends at Salmon Water Now. The House of Representatives bill 1837 preempts state water and public trust law, eliminates federal and state protection for salmon and other commercially valuable species, and ends a 20-year federal law that was enacted to improve conditions in the Sacramento River watershed and Delta.
AquAlliance Advocates for the Public Interest
AquAlliance submitted comments regarding the need for expanded public participation in the latest regional water planning effort. In 2008, the Center for Collaborative Policy emphasized the need for “an Area-wide Visioning activity” to initiate a planning process that could benefit the region’s water. The report also recognized the importance of having the most vocal and knowledgeable public voices at the table. Choosing to ignore this advice, Butte County, the leader in the current 6 county planning initiative, wrote a proposal that continues dysfunction as usual in the local water world. The California Department of Water Resources, never having a problem squandering the public’s money, will most likely fund this to the tune of $900,000. 12.23.10
AquAlliance Comments
Does the California constitution hold the key to solving the state’s water crisis?
Felice Pace lays out the possibility in an opinion piece in High Country News. To read it, use the link below.
Felice Pace Opinion
Ground Water Banking Lawsuits
The New York Times reports on yet another example of what happens when “the market” and government agencies collude to transfer more wealth to corporations and patrons of politicians. You will read about how existing ground water banks south of the Delta are being charged with damaging ground water basins in a recent lawsuit. Another lawsuit challenges how the State of California gave away one of the ground water banks to a private entity. This is what “the market” and some water districts are trying to establish in the Sacramento Valley with the full support of the state and federal government. Without the courts, the public has virtually no voice and is being taken to the cleaners.
NY Times article, July 27, 2011
10-Year Water Grab Moves Forward
SCOPING REPORT RELEASED
The 10-year, 600,000 acre-feet per year, Sacramento Valley Water Transfer Program continues to move forward. The scoping report was released May 13thdespite the fact that eight water sellers stated publicly that they won’t participate (click for report). AquAlliance submitted comments during the scoping phase and posted other public comments that were sent to us (see below). The next step will be the Bureau of Reclamation’s release of the Environmental Impact Statement/Report (EIS/EIR) in the late summer or fall of 2011.
The scoping report perpetuates misinformation that was presented at the January 2011 public meeting in Chico: “Commenters were concerned that transfers may include up to 600,000 acre-feet of water annually; however, this EIS/EIR will include a much smaller transfer volume (approximately 100,000 to 150,000 acre-feet).” The report’s response is disingenuous. The public’s concerns about the 600,000 acre-feet figure comes right out of the Bureau’s Federal Register notice for this project (click for notice). The larger figure would not have appeared in the Federal Register unless it was the number that will direct the environmental analysis – and remain possible for water transfers from the Sacramento Valley.
As many of you know, wealthy, politically connected water districts south of the Delta have wanted north-state ground water for decades. They already destroyed the abundant natural bounty of south-state watersheds by irrigating marginal lands, transferring massive amounts of water, and excessive ground water pumping. If you follow the money behind this project, you will find desert agriculture south of the Delta with junior water rights pressing to steal more north-state water for private profit.
More links are below.
AquAlliance Scoping Comments for 10-Year Water Transfer Plan
Comments from Richard Meyers
Comments from Elicia Whittlesey
Comments from Tony St. Amant
Comments from O.J. McMillan
Comments from Bruce Meyer
Federal Register Notice for Ten Year North to South Transfers
Bureau of Reclamation's North-to-South Water Transfers' Web Site.
Bad Bill for Northern California Water
The San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act (HR 1837) was introduced by California GOP Congressman Devin Nunes, and co-sponsored by GOP Congressmen Jeff Denham and Kevin McCarthy. This bill is bad for northern California’s ground water, farms, cities, reservoirs, fish wildlife and rivers. Northern California politicians, regardless of party affiliation, should oppose this bill.
AquAlliance and a broad coalition of environmental, tribal,and fishing groups sent a strong letter of opposition to the U.S. House of Representative’s committee hearing the bill (below). The next action will take place in mid-July. Listen to the hearings held on June 2nd and 13th by using the links below.
Coalition Opposition Letter
House Water & Power Subcommittee, June 2, 2011
House Water & Power Subcommittee, June 13, 2011
AquAlliance's opinion on HR 1837 in the Chico News and Review
Opinion: Herger Gets it Right (Chico News and Review)
Butte County Opposes HR 1837