In what appears to be a sound understanding of the water situation and the need for more dams, the Governor continues to make his case, and that is a very good thing, as global warming will increase our need to control and store more water.
Governor's push for dam bonds stall in committee
By Steven Harmon/MediaNews Sacramento Bureau
Article Launched: 07/17/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
SACRAMENTO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's push for $4 billion in bonds to build two new dams stalled in a key committee Tuesday, but Democratic opponents said they don't expect the issue will go away so easily.
Schwarzenegger has returned to water politics with a renewed vigor, thrusting dams into the center of what may become highly contentious upcoming budget negotiations.
In the last week, Schwarzenegger has made several trips around the state casting the legislation, SB 59, in stark terms, saying it would be a hedge against such ills as global warming, droughts and other disasters.
"With shrinking snow packs from a changing climate, above-ground water storage will be a central part of California's water future," Schwarzenegger said. "It is early in the legislative process and water planning is one of the most difficult and complex issues facing California. My administration will continue to utilize all available means to push for a solution that includes surface storage, allowing California to implement a water plan to endure longer drought periods and higher flood peaks."
Republican lawmakers, who are especially interested in the dams, have the power of a required two-thirds vote on budgets, which gives them some leverage in forcing the dam proposal into negotiations. Schwarzenegger needs Republican votes on a number of budget issues - especially his health care reform, which includes fee increases on doctors, hospitals and businesses that Republicans have vowed to reject.
Sen. Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, the chairman of the Natural Resources committee, said the committee rejection "is not the end of the discussion." He indicated that deal-making with Democrats isn't out of the question, saying, "I would not take this vote to be a vote against water storage."
