In California water news today, Gov. Gavin Newsom pledges to scale back twin-tunnels in State of the State speech, appoints new Chair and new member of State Water Board; Storm fueled by atmospheric river to flood pretty much everywhere; Groundwater: Local agencies work towards sustainability; A Wastewater Company Halts Disposal at Two Sites of Groundwater Contamination; Wheels keep turning in lawsuit to retain Klamath Dams; With Coachella Valley Water District okay, Imperial Irrigation District now holds key to seven state drought deal; and more …
On the calendar today …
- The Groundwater Resources Association’s Sacramento Branch will meet from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The topic is Directional Drilling for the Installation of Horizontal Wells. Click here for more information and to register. You do not need to be a member to attend.
In the news today …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
- THIS JUST IN … Governor Newsom designates Joaquin Esquivel as Chair of the State Water Board; appoints Laurel Firestone from the Community Water Center to the Board
- REACTIONS (UPDATED) from agencies, legislators, and organizations to Governor Newsom’s announcements on Cal Water Fix, New State Water Board Chair
- THIS JUST IN … Governor Newsom discusses water in State of the State address
- OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT: Reclamation seeks comments on draft environmental document for long-term water transfers
NEWSOM STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
Felicia Marcus removed from State Water Board. ‘It was time for a change.’: “Felicia Marcus, whose push for larger river flows angered farmers and community leaders in the Northern San Joaquin Valley, won’t continue as chairwoman of the State Water Resources Control Board. Gov. Gavin Newsom named Joaquin Esquivel as chairman of the powerful water regulatory board. In his first State of the State Address, Newsom said Tuesday that Esquivel would bring balance to state water policy. His appointment is considered a positive sign for voluntary settlement agreements that are less onerous for water agencies like the Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts. ... ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Felicia Marcus removed from State Water Board. ‘It was time for a change.’
Newsom Backs One Water Tunnel, Curbing Brown Family Legacy: “Sixty years ago, California voters approved Gov. Pat Brown’s plan for a 700-mile system of dams, water pumps and aqueducts to control flooding in Northern California and send water south to Los Angeles and San Diego. His son, Jerry, spent the better part of four terms as governor trying to expand his father’s work. On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom effectively capped the Browns’ multi-generation effort, known as the State Water Project, the source of about a third of Southern California’s drinking water. ... ” Read more from Voice of San Diego here: Newsom Backs One Water Tunnel, Curbing Brown Family Legacy
Gov. Gavin Newsom pledges to scale back high-speed rail and twin-tunnels projects in State of the State speech: “Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in his first State of the State speech that he intends to scale back California’s $77-billion bullet train project, saying that while the state has the capacity to complete the first leg in the Central Valley, extending the rail line to Southern California and the Bay Area would “cost too much and, respectfully, take too long.” The Democratic governor supports finishing the controversial high-speed rail line between Bakersfield and Merced, and said it would invigorate the economy in California’s midsection and reduce the region’s air pollution. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union Tribune here: Gov. Gavin Newsom pledges to scale back high-speed rail and twin-tunnels projects in State of the State speech
Governor Newsom calls for end to twin tunnels, but supports one delta tunnel: Dan Bacher writes, “In his first State of the State Address today at the State Capitol today, Governor Gavin Newsom called for an end to Jerry Brown’s Twin Tunnels, but said he supports one tunnel. “I do not support the Water Fix as currently configured,” said Newsom. “Meaning, I do not support the twin tunnels. But we can build on the important work that’s already been done. That’s why I do support a single tunnel.” “The status quo is not an option. We need to protect our water supply from earthquakes and rising sea levels, preserve delta fisheries, and meet the needs of cities and farms,” Newsom said. ... ” Read more from Indy Bay here: Governor Newsom calls for end to twin tunnels, but supports one delta tunnel
Governor Newsom appoints new Chair and new member of State Water Board: Dan Bacher writes, “Governor Gavin Newsom just announced two key water appointments today when he appointed Joaquin Esquivel as Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board and Laurel Firestone as a new member of the Board. Under pressure from San Joaquin Valley agribusiness interests, Newsom failed to reappoint the current chair of the board, Felicia Marcus, who supported increasing flows from the San Joaquin River into the estuary to preserve Delta fish species and Delta farmland. … ” Read more from the Daily Kos here: Governor Newsom appoints new Chair and new member of State Water Board
Newsom kills controversial Delta twin tunnels plan: “In a major shift in one of the largest proposed public works projects in state history, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced he does not support former Gov. Jerry Brown’s $19 billion plan to build two massive tunnels under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to make it easier to move water from north to south. Newsom, in his first state-of-the-state speech since taking office last month, said that instead, he will pursue a smaller, one-tunnel plan for the project, which Brown had called “WaterFix. …” Click here to read this article from the San Jose Mercury News.
Gov. Gavin Newsom downsizes Delta water project: one tunnel, not two: “Gov. Gavin Newsom, diving into one of California’s most contentious water issues, said Tuesday he wants to downsize the Delta tunnels project. The Democratic governor also set out to overhaul state water policy by naming a new chair of the state’s water board. Newsom said he wants the twin-tunnel project — designed to re-engineer the troubled estuary that serves as the hub of California’s elaborate water-delivery system — reduced to a single tunnel. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Gov. Gavin Newsom downsizes Delta water project: one tunnel, not two
Gov. Newsom Seeks to Scale Back Bullet Train, Delta Tunnels Projects: “Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday called for scaling back California’s two largest public works projects — the bullet train and delta water tunnels. In his first State of the State address in Sacramento, Newsom said the $77 billion bullet train project approved by voters should be canceled after the segment from Merced to Bakersfield is completed. And he called for only one of two massive tunnels to be built to connect the water systems in northern and southern California. … ” Read more from the Times of San Diego here: Gov. Newsom Seeks to Scale Back Bullet Train, Delta Tunnels Projects
Newsom pledges to scale back high-speed rail and twin tunnels projects in State of the State speech: “Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in his first State of the State speech that he intends to scale back California’s $77-billion bullet train project, saying that while the state has the capacity to complete the first leg in the Central Valley, extending the rail line to Southern California and the Bay Area would “cost too much and respectfully take too long.” … In another break from his predecessor, Jerry Brown, the governor also announced in his speech Tuesday that he will downsize the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta twin tunnels project to one tunnel. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Newsom pledges to scale back high-speed rail and twin tunnels projects in State of the State speech
Dan Walters: Newsom downgrades Brown’s pet projects: “When Gavin Newsom was running for governor last year, he adopted “courage for a change” as his slogan. It could be – and was – interpreted two ways: that he wanted to change the direction of California, or that he was disparaging outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown’s reluctance to confront the state’s pithiest issues. Newsom seemingly embraced both versions Tuesday in his first State of the State address, a very long and detailed laundry list of the state’s ills and how he intends to deal with them that directly and indirectly refuted Brown. … ” Read more from CalMatters here: Dan Walters: Newsom downgrades Brown’s pet projects
ATMOSPHERIC RIVER STORM APPROACHING
Storm fueled by atmospheric river to flood pretty much everywhere: “Bay Area weather officials were bracing for an atmospheric river hailing from Hawaii to douse the North Bay and move steadily south by Wednesday morning to bring strong winds, heavy rain and widespread flooding to the region. The downpour “will be pretty steady” until Thursday and is expected to drop at least 2½ inches of precipitation on most parts of the Bay Area, said Anna Schneider, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The heaviest amount of rain was expected to arrive Wednesday morning, just in time for the early commute. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Storm fueled by atmospheric river to flood pretty much everywhere
As atmospheric river storm approaches, Bay Area rivers, creeks expected to rise rapidly: “As a powerful “atmospheric river” storm continues to march toward the California coast Tuesday, meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Monterey are warning about “rapid and large rises” on many of the Bay Area’s rivers and creeks. With satellite images showing massive plumes of moisture over the Pacific taking aim at Northern California, the weather service said coastal hills and mountains in the Bay Area “will see prolific rain totals” likely exceeding 8 inches by the end of the storm. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: As atmospheric river storm approaches, Bay Area rivers, creeks expected to rise rapidly
Dam releases to increase ahead of storm: “Water releases from Nimbus and Folsom dams are expected to increase as a storm moves through the region Wednesday and Thursday. Heavy rain is expected in the Valley and foothills over the next two days. The Bureau of Reclamation said Nimbus and Folsom dams will increase flows by Wednesday morning to 20,000 cfs. ... ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Dam releases to increase ahead of storm
OTHER STATEWIDE NEWS
Groundwater: Local agencies work towards sustainability: “Farmers, water managers and government agencies agree: Groundwater sustainability is critical for California. But achieving it could bring significant changes to the state’s agricultural landscape, according to speakers at a Sacramento gathering of water professionals. Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, known as SGMA, groundwater sustainability plans must be developed by early next year for critically overdrafted basins, and by 2022 for other high- and medium-priority basins. Those plans, to be prepared by local groundwater sustainability agencies, must show how sustainability will be achieved within 20 years of their completion. … ” Read more from Ag Alert here: Groundwater: Local agencies work towards sustainability
A Wastewater Company Halts Disposal at Two Sites of Groundwater Contamination: “Valley Water Management Company, a non-profit company that disposes of wastewater for dozens of oil operators in California, has halted discharges at two facilities where environmentalists say wastewater contaminated groundwater resources. The closure stems from a lawsuit filed by Clean Water Action, the Center for Environmental Health, and the grassroots group Association of Irritated Residents in 2015, after the regional water board found that discharges at two facilities—Race Track Hill and Fee 34—had elevated levels of oilfield contaminants. ... ” Read more from Pacific Standard here: A Wastewater Company Halts Disposal at Two Sites of Groundwater Contamination
Can California’s iconic redwoods survive climate change? “California’s most iconic trees can live for centuries — but can they survive in a warming world? Populations of the state’s two redwood species — coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) — have already declined by 95 percent since 1850 due to logging and development. Now scientists want to know how climate change and drought will affect them in the near future. … ” Read more from The Revelator here: Can California’s iconic redwoods survive climate change?
NATIONAL
Senate backs major public lands, conservation bill: “The Senate on Tuesday approved a major public lands bill that revives a popular conservation program, adds 1.3 million acres of new wilderness, expands several national parks and creates five new national monuments. The measure, the largest public lands bill considered by Congress in a decade, combines more than 100 separate bills that designate more than 350 miles of river as wild and scenic, add 2,600 miles of new federal trails and create nearly 700,000 acres of new recreation and conservation areas. The bill also withdraws 370,000 acres in Montana and Washington state from mineral development. … ” Read more from AP News here: Senate backs major public lands, conservation bill
Race is on to define ‘Green New Deal’: “The decision by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to bring up the “Green New Deal” for a Senate vote is prompting a rush to define the terms of progressive Democrats’ ambitious proposal to tackle climate change. GOP lawmakers are scrambling to highlight the possible side effects of the deal, outlined last week by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), in some cases relying on a document distributed and later disavowed by the New York Democrat’s office (Climatewire, Feb. 12). Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) took to the Senate floor yesterday to outline a host of ramifications of the plan, which he said would mean the end of ice cream. … ” Read more from E&E News here: Race is on to define ‘Green New Deal’
In commentary today …
Governor’s vision includes fish, farming: The Modesto Bee writes, “Anyone inclined to high-five the dismissal of chairwoman Felicia Marcus from the State Water Resources Control Board should put their hands to better use. Like using them to roll up their sleeves so we can get to work fixing our rivers and making them more hospitable to salmon. Marcus’s replacement was announced in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first State of the State speech, Tuesday. He elevated Joaquin Esquivel to the chair. He also laid out an incredibly ambitious – and exciting – plan to make California a better place to live. ... ” Read more from the Modesto Bee here: Governor’s vision includes fish, farming
Newsom chops back troubled high-speed rail and delta water plans: The San Francisco Chronicle writes, “Gov. Gavin Newsom spent his first month in office facing off against President Trump. Now he’s taking on California issues just as dominating and daunting. He’s cutting back the floundering high-speed-rail project designed to connect the Bay Area with Southern California to a more modest line in the Central Valley. He’s also shrinking a costly and divisive twin-tunnel water-diversion system for the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in favor of a single tube, details to follow. To complete this grand sweep, he’s sending in his own appointees to carry out the downsizing. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Newsom chops back troubled high-speed rail and delta water plans
In regional news and commentary today …
Wheels keep turning in lawsuit to retain Klamath Dams: “Wheels continue to turn in a Siskiyou County nonprofit’s court case to foil the Klamath River Renewal Corporation’s plan to remove four hydroelectric dams. The Siskiyou County Water Users Association received confirmation that its writ of mandamus, filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals in November, 2018, has been scheduled for the docket early next month. The writ asks the court to compel the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to rule on a motion the SCWUA filed in April, 2018, which attempts to stop the transfer of the dams’ ownership to the KRRC – the nonprofit formed to decommission them. ... ” Read more from the Siskiyou Daily News here: Wheels keep turning in lawsuit to retain Klamath Dams
Status of Chinook salmon being reviewed, fishing closed on Klamath, Trinity rivers: “The California Fish and Game Commission last week took action that could result in Upper Klamath-Trinity River Spring Chinook Salmon eventually being listed as endangered and approved fishing closures on parts of the Klamath and Trinity rivers to protect the salmon until a decision can be made on their status. The commission accepted a petition to list the salmon as endangered, setting into motion a status review to be completed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, according to a CDFW press release. … ” Read more from the Siskiyou Daily News here: Status of Chinook salmon being reviewed, fishing closed on Klamath, Trinity rivers
San Francisco’s Great Highway closed in both directions due to storm: “San Francisco’s Great Highway was closed to traffic in both directions early Wednesday due to flooding triggered by a wet winter storm. Blockades were placed between Lincoln and Sloat and it’s unknown when the road will reopen, according to San Francisco Public Works. A moisture-rich storm known as an atmospheric river slammed into Northern California Tuesday night and started delivering widespread drenching rains in the Bay Area early Wednesday. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: San Francisco’s Great Highway closed in both directions due to storm
What happens to SoCal water if the Big One hits? “Southern California gets much of its water supply from Northern California – so what will happen if the “Big One” – a major earthquake – cuts that supply off? KVCR’s Benjamin Purper finds out in this report. I’m touring a construction site near Western Municipal Water District’s headquarters in Riverside. The water district is expanding a facility called the Arlington Desalter, which could provide fresh water to customers in the event of a large earthquake. … ” Read/listen from KVCR here: What happens to SoCal water if the Big One hits?
Along the Colorado River …
With Coachella Valley Water District okay, Imperial Irrigation District now holds key to seven state drought deal: “It’s all up to the Imperial Irrigation District. The fate of a seven-state plan to address dwindling Colorado River water supply now appears to rest squarely with the sprawling southeastern California water district. Its neighbor to the north, the Coachella Valley Water District, voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve interstate agreements that would conserve water for use by 40 million people and vast swaths of agricultural lands. IID has tied its approvals to a binding promise to receive $200 million in federal matching funds to restore the fast-dwindling Salton Sea, which lost critical Colorado River water imports a year ago. ... ” Read more from the Desert Sun here: With Coachella Valley Water District okay, Imperial Irrigation District now holds key to seven state drought deal
Precipitation watch …
Also on Maven’s Notebook today …
THIS JUST IN … Governor Newsom discusses water in State of the State address
Today’s announcements …
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About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.
