Tuesday, July 13, 2004
The Press-Enterprise Editorial
It's finally dawning on Californians that after growing like mad through six years of drought, they're facing a water crisis. That drought persists. Calls to conserve water are increasing, and some water rates are rising to help curb demand. Riverside County has created a task force to review water planning - something every county should do.
Now, just when we all need it most, Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, has pushed a bill through the House to protect and preserve the Bay-Delta heart of the state's water resources. To put the achievement in local perspective, about one-third of this Inland region's water comes out of the Bay-Delta. Particularly for a semi-arid region that's losing access to some of its other water resources, no bill in Congress this year is likely to be more important.
Calvert, chairman of the subcommittee on water and power, got his bill through the House on a voice vote Friday. The effort is laudable for timing as well as substance. In the Senate, the companion version, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, still awaits passage. Chances to get a bill approved in this presidential election year are dwindling. The House vote on the Calvert measure should give the issue bounce.
(snip)
The U.S. Geologic Survey now says this drought shapes up to be the worst in 500 years. California needs to adjust to that prospect, and quickly. Senators should OK the Feinstein bill, and President Bush should sign it. When the biggest state has water worries, it's not just a California comfort issue. There are real implications here for the state economy, and that means ripples for the national economy, as well.
Online at:
http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/editorials/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_op_13_ed_calvert.57b55.html
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
