Though the analysis here is flawed (the expense of dams as an argument against their use as water storage or flood control), the overview of the issues isn’t.
All about water
California legislators are looking for solutions to supply problems after drought, Delta court ruling
By Matt Weiser - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Their regular session concluded for the year, state lawmakers continue to discuss water and health issues in a pair of special sessions. Here's a primer on the water debate.
Q: Why is the Legislature holding a special session on water issues?
A: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called the special session in response to growing concern about a water crisis in California. The hub of the crisis is the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which collects 40 percent of the state's river runoff and funnels it, via state and federal pumping facilities, to 23 million Californians and millions of acres of farmland. A federal judge ruled Aug. 31 that Delta pumping may have to be reduced as much as 37 percent to protect fish. Also, research shows that the Delta -- a maze of fragile levees -- could suffer a catastrophe from earthquakes, floods and rising sea levels, jeopardizing the water supply. Population growth adds more pressure: California may have 25 million more people by 2050.
Q: How does the special session work?
A: Designating a special session requires lawmakers to focus on the issue even though their regular legislative session has adjourned. It suspends some legislative rules and allows measures approved with a majority vote to take effect 90 days after the session closes.
Q: What is the governor proposing?
A: Schwarzenegger has backed a $5.9 billion water bond for new dams, a Delta canal and conservation programs. The Republican governor was focused on one dam near Fresno and another in Colusa County. He later expressed support for a canal that could transport water around the sensitive Delta area to avoid ongoing environmental problems. The proposal died in the Senate, but Schwarzenegger is expected to have a bill introduced today that has components similar to his previous proposal.
