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In California water news this weekend …
Landmark Supreme Court ruling in Chevron case could curb environmental protections in California
“A major ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday that weakened the ability of federal agencies to set rules on the environment, drug safety, consumer protections and other areas could impact California — from vehicle pollution standards to oil and gas drilling on public lands — even though California has its own state laws that are tougher than those in other states and the federal government. “The decision is an earthquake in U.S. law,” said attorney Michael Wara, director of Stanford University’s Climate and Energy Policy Program, “impacting every single thing, especially every new thing, that any federal agency might want to do to address new problems they are seeking to solve.” … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News (gift article).
SEE ALSO:
- Here’s what the Court’s Chevron ruling could mean in everyday terms, from the New York Times
- Legal alert: Chevron Deference No Longer – Supreme Court Overturns Cornerstone of Administrative Law, from Allen-Matkins
- Losing Chevron: What Does It Mean for California?, from the Legal Planet
California heat wave could be the start of a brutal month
“The heat wave expected next week may be a harbinger of things to come. As July progresses, the heat will expand over the interior western U.S., where places like Las Vegas, Phoenix and Fresno just recorded their hottest Junes on record. Most of California is likely to see above average temperatures, save for coastal locations which will continue to feel the cooling impacts of a potent marine layer. While the state is likely to receive slightly below-normal precipitation in July, pockets of moisture-rich air will occasionally funnel their way into southern and eastern California, increasing the chances of thunderstorms, especially in the Sierra. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle (gift article).
Officials complete pollution response to sunken vessel in Delta
“Contractors removed thousands of gallons of oil and hazardous waste from a decommissioned cruise ship that sank and began leaking fuel in the Delta waterway in San Joaquin County last month. Officials announced the completion of their pollution response after extracting more than 20,000 gallons of oily water and more than 3,000 gallons of hazardous waste from the vessel. They did not observe any oiled wildlife during the removal and there is no recoverable oil left on the vessel, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. A unified command with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response and the city of Stockton has been disbanded. However, other agencies are still exploring options to remove the vessel entirely from the water. … ” Read more from Stocktonia.
Pinnacles National Park issues water warning ahead of hot weekend
“Pinnacles National Park, a hiking and camping spot within easy reach of the San Francisco Bay Area, said Friday that it will not have potable water on its west side throughout the weekend during an inbound heat wave. In a social media post, the park said water on the west side, which is accessible from the west entrance via Highway 146, failed a recent test. The park urged hikers to prepare and carry at least one liter of water per person for each hour on the trail. The park said this it is also “critical” for people “hiking from the east side to access the Balconies caves” to bring water. The hike to Balconies Cave is 9.4 miles round-trip. … ” Read more from SF Gate.
Fish and Game Commission approves white sturgeon as a candidate species for listing as threatened
“The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) approved white sturgeon as a candidate species for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) on June 19. The Commission found sufficient scientific evidence in a petition to determine that listing may be warranted. Notice of the Commission decision is expected to be published by the Office of Administrative Law on July 12. At that point, fishing for white sturgeon will close as candidate species for listing under CESA are granted full protections while the candidate review process takes place. However, recreational fishing for white sturgeon remains open until July 11 under emergency regulations adopted last year. … ” Read more from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Controversial measure overturning oil well restrictions won’t be on California ballot
“California’s oil industry withdrew its controversial ballot measure challenging a state law that imposes new restrictions on oil and gas wells within 3,200 feet of homes and schools. Environmentalists consider the industry’s decision a major victory because it removes the obstacle to a law that bans new drilling and imposes safety restrictions on existing wells in communities. Oil industry groups say the referendum was mischaracterized by environmental groups. They said the setback law will eliminate jobs, drive up gas prices and increase California’s dependence on imported oil. Complying with the law will cost them about $40 million over the first two years, according to the industry’s estimate. The oil industry, which spent $20 million collecting signatures to put the measure on the November ballot, says that it will instead try to challenge the law in court. … ” Read more from Cal Matters.
In people news this weekend …
Promotions, passings, profiles – submit people news items to maven@mavensnotebook.com.
Ernest Conant, the former Regional Director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, joins Downey Brand
Downey Brand LLP, a leading full-service law firm renowned for its statewide expertise in water, environmental, and natural resources law, is pleased to announce that Ernest Conant, a distinguished water law attorney and the former Regional Director of the California-Great Basin Region of the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of the Interior (Reclamation), joined the firm’s Natural Resources Department as Counsel on June 24, 2024. “We are thrilled to welcome Ernest to the firm,” said Kevin O’Brien, senior water law partner at Downey Brand. “Ernest is an exceptional lawyer and problem solver. His recent work at Reclamation placed him at the center of some of our nation’s most challenging water and environmental issues, and he performed with great distinction. As a water lawyer prior to joining Reclamation, Ernest played a pivotal role in some of California’s most important water and infrastructure projects. His expertise will be invaluable to the firm and its clients.” … ” Read more from Downey Brand.
O’Melveny team recognized with 2024 CLAY Award by the Daily Journal
“An O’Melveny team led by partner Matt Kline, head of the firm’s Water Group, has been named to the Daily Journal‘s 2024 list of CLAY Award recipients. The annual list highlights the best lawyers and legal work in California over the past year. The O’Melveny team, which included partner Russell McGlothlin, counsel Heather Welles, Kathryn K. Turner, and Kevin Kraft, and associates Zach Smith, Adam Phillips, Gillian Hawley, Shey Reif, Katie Takakjian, and Zach Meeker was recognized for achieving three successful trial results representing the Las Posas Farming Group in the first comprehensive groundwater adjudication tried under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Divided into three separate phases, the goal of the case was to resolve rights to groundwater in the 66-square mile Las Posas water basin in Ventura County among nearly 100 parties. … ” Read more from O’Melveny.
SCV Water dedicates treatment plant in honor of E. G. “Jerry” Gladbach
“A collection of past and present water officials, city leaders and some of those closest to Jerry Gladbach gathered Thursday at Central Park to honor the memory of the former leader. Gary Martin, president of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, described Gladbach as always having “a hearty handshake, big smile and an optimistic spirit ready to help the community,” which was part of the reasoning for Thursday’s rededication at SCV Water’s headquarters.Gladbach died in July 2022 at age 82 after serving on water boards for nearly four decades.On Thursday, the local water agency he helped lead since its founding in 2018, SCV Water, named its main Saugus facility in his honor: The E. G. “Jerry” Gladbach Water Treatment Plant. … ” Read more from The Signal.
Podcasts …
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: A Historian’s View of the Delta
Change is an understatement that is occurring in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta today. It used to be that the Delta controlled our communities but now our communities are changing the Delta. Conditions have reversed. Waters of the Delta are in the midst of a tug-of-war. If California is not careful, the largest inland delta on the western coast of the North American continent will be damaged. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Produced by Steven Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co 530-205-6388
THE RIVER RAMBLER: Klamath Dam Removal
This week we continue our dam talk with Brian Johnson and Shane Anderson and we discuss the active removal of multiple dams on the Klamath River. We go over how it all got started, the speed at which both it is happening and the environment is recovering, some of the complications that have occurred, some minor field-work jealousy, the next steps, common misunderstandings about these dams, the incredible engineering know how going into it, and so much more.
WE GROW CALIFORNIA: Self-Help revitalizes rural communities
This week Darcy and Darcy have some good news to share when they welcome Eddie Ocampo, Director of Community Sustainability with Self-Help Enterprises, a nationally recognized community development organization. Eddie and Self Help work with communities to build resiliency through housing, water reliability, waste-water services, and community development. They work collaboratively with other technical assistance organizations, funding entities, as well as state and federal agencies. Darcy and Darcy learn how Self-Help got started, and some of the projects Eddie is most proud of. They learned that when Central Valley California communities’ have big problems – like the well has run dry – better than “I gotta guy,” call Eddie and Self Help.
VOICE OF SAN DIEGO: Too much water
Water is about to get more expensive, but not for the reasons you might think. The region is water-rich following a record-setting rainy winter, but San Diegans still have to pay off decades-old investments provoked by drought times. That could mean big changes on your water bill starting next year.
ECONEWS REPORT: Project 2025 and the environment
Special guest Congressman Jared Huffman is heading a task force in the Democratic caucus to address , the Heritage Foundation’s policy outline for a second Trump administration. The document is pervaded by anti-science and anti-regulatory animus, with a particular focus on climate science and renewable energy. Friends of the Eel River Conservation Director Scott Greacen goes deep into these and even darker corners of the plan with Congressman Huffman.
EYES ON EARTH: The Color of Water with Landsat
Typically, we use Landsat data to study changes on the land—you know, Landsat. In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we learn how satellite images and pixels of water, along with actual water samples, are helpful in determining the productivity of lakes across the United States. We talk with Mendenhall Fellow and Research Geographer Dr. Michael Meyer about a recently released, freely accessible dataset that uses a metric called lake trophic state to validate the Landsat observations of thousands of lakes. The dataset was also named a USGS Open Science Success Story as part of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s 2023 “Year of Open Science” campaign.
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
Echoes of the past: Northwestern Pond Turtles in the Eel River habitat
“The Northwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) quietly thrives along the serene waters of the South Fork of the Eel River. With their distinctive marbled shells and tranquil demeanor, these turtles embody a sense of timelessness. Wandering along the riverbanks, one can often catch sight of these ancient reptiles basking in the sun.Local wildlife tracker, Kim Cabrera captured a pair of Northwestern Pond Turtles sunning along the Eel, piquing our interest in these west coast inhabitants. … ” Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt.
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Work on Burke Creek and Rabe Meadow underway
“Work has begun on the restoration of Burke Creek and Rabe Meadow in Stateline. Visitors to Kahle Drive Trailhead, Lam Watah Trail, Nevada Beach, Nevada Beach Campground and Rabe Meadow can expect to see work in the area including staging of equipment and construction materials, tree removal and culvert replacement over the next several weeks, according to the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. A final decision on restoration activities for the area was issued by the Forest Service and the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District in April to improve water quality, meadow vegetation, and aquatic and terrestrial habitat for wildlife and plants. This project complements previous restoration work between Highway 50 and the outlet of Burke Creek at Lake Tahoe, according to the Forest Service. … ” Read more from the Record-Courier.
Mechanical forest thinning project to begin on the West Shore
“The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is scheduled to begin mechanical forest thinning (fuels reduction) on Monday, July 1, 2024, on approximately 355 acres located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe near Blackwood Canyon and Paige Meadows. The Tahoe Pines Mechanical Contract is part of the West Shore Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Reduction Project and is intended to reduce the risk of severe wildfire and create healthier forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Nearby residents and visitors can expect to see vegetation crews, heavy equipment, tree removal and trucks hauling out materials via Highways 89 and 28. Work is expected to be completed by mid-October 2024. Mechanical thinning sometimes requires the closure of an area during operations due to hazards posed by heavy equipment and falling trees. No closures are planned currently, but recreationists are advised to use caution when accessing trails in this area. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Corning looking at water, sewer rate increases
“A public hearing is being scheduled for Corning residents to voice their feelings about a proposed increase to city provided water and sewer services. During the City Council’s meeting on June 11 the council voted unanimously to approve city staff scheduling the public hearing on Aug. 13 to consider implementing two 10 percent rate increases for water, the first on Sept. 1, 2024, and the second on July 1, 2025. City Manager Brandt Mesker said each increase would amount to $2.26 per residence. The proposed sewer increase would be at 5 percent or $2.24, with the first implementation Sept. 1, and the second July 1, 2025. … ” Read more from the Corning Observer.
Water supply reliability: It’s good to be in Placer County
“There’s a reason so many people are flocking to Roseville and Placer County: It’s the water. In particular, Placer County and its largest city, Roseville, have tapped into reliable sources of water, not just for now, but for generations to come. That makes sustainable growth possible while maintaining a high quality of life. Other counties aren’t so lucky, as water scarcity is a concern statewide. The impact of long-term droughts and climate change have some water agencies scrambling to cope. But thanks to careful planning, long-range vision and location, the water future for Placer County and Roseville looks especially bright. … ” Read more from the Sacramento News-Review.
NAPA/SONOMA
County wants community input on solutions for Russian River watershed’s aging septic systems
“Sonoma County officials are inviting the public to discuss potential solutions for tackling extensive government regulations that soon will require homeowners in Monte Rio and Villa Grande to implement costly updates to their septic systems to limit the amount of wastewater that goes into the Russian River. The meeting is set for Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Monte Rio Community Center, 20488 Highway 116. The meeting will provide an opportunity to ask questions and provide county officials with your input on potential solutions. The rules, approved by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board in December 2021, require property owners with septic systems within 600 feet of the Russian River to to limit the amount of waste to a certain total maximum daily load. Inspections also are required for people living in proximity to certain streams. If their equipment doesn’t meet the requirements — which is likely true for the majority of properties in Monte Rio and Villa Grande where systems were installed decades ago — they’ll have to take corrective action. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat (gift article).
BAY AREA
Editorial: Routine, cautious looks at desalination make sense for Marin
“When voters in the Marin Municipal Water District elected three new board members – ousting two incumbents after another had retired from the panel – they came aboard with a promise to take a fresh look at the options and opportunities to bolster the resilience of the local water supply. The election and change came in the wake of the district’s 2020 alarming warning that even with strict conservation measures the prolonged drought risked, within months, draining MMWD’s supply. Then it rained. But the threat was too close for comfort for most voters. Some voters decried MMWD’s 2010 decision to put its controversial desalination plant plans on the political backburner after spending millions on a trial plant on San Rafael Bay. The board, at the time, opted to bank on conservation, encouraged by MMWD customers’ efforts to reduce water use. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal.
Environmental group sues Navy and EPA over radioactive waste cleanup at San Francisco shipyard
“Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice sued the U.S. Navy and the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday over what they claim is mismanagement of the cleanup of radioactive waste at Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco. Hunter’s Point, in the city’s Bayview neighborhood, was operated by the Navy between 1945 and 1974. While under military operation, the site was home to radiation experiments from 1946 to 1969. Ships returning from hydrogen bomb tests were also decontaminated at the site, furthering the risk of radioactive contamination. Greenaction claims in its 59-page complaint that the Navy and the EPA violated the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the National Contingency Plan, and other violations because the EPA has failed to enforce its cleanup agreement of Hunter’s Point with California and the Navy. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
SEE ALSO:
- Cleanup of San Francisco Superfund site has been badly mishandled, lawsuit alleges, from KQED
- US failed to clean up radioactive Superfund site, lawsuit claims, from the New Lede
CENTRAL COAST
A story about sewer billing is actually about something much more interesting.
“Sara Rubin here, thinking about how sometimes the most interesting stories can be found in the seemingly smallest things. Last year, when staff at Monterey One Water, the regional wastewater treatment and recycling facility in Marina, started talking about changing their billing methodology, my initial thought was: yawn. Unlike many utility bills, such as water and power that are based on consumption, wastewater is billed at a set rate (equivalent to $50.95/month per household). M1W currently spends about $285,000 per year paying for printing, postage and third-party billing services to send bills to each household every two months and collect those fees. The concept was that instead of billing every two months in this fashion, the agency could transition to billing in connection to property tax collection every six months, saving about $100,000 a year in costs. … ” Read more from M0nterey Now.
Boulder Creek businesses face financial strain amid SLVWD’s water shutoffs
“Residents of Boulder Creek have been through hell and high water over the past several years, but the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is adding to the dismay of neighborhoods and small businesses in town with a decisive lack of communication about their ongoing infrastructure repair efforts. Frankie Brenchley, owner of the Tree House Café, is completely frustrated by the process, but like all other businesses in town, she doesn’t fault the boots-on-the-ground employees who are working for the betterment of the community. Beginning on May 30, SLVWD announced that there would be no water available in town as a third-party contractor was collaborating with district staff to update pipelines crisscrossing the area. … ” Read more from the Press-Banner.
Water is lifeblood of California communities — but it hasn’t always run smooth in SLO
“Water is the lifeblood of a community, especially in the arid West where cycles of drought and flood make planning vital. The original site of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was in the flood plain at the confluence of Stenner and San Luis creeks. Two location moves later, the Mission was above the flood zone, but as the community grew, more water was needed for farming and domestic use. A zanja or ditch was constructed in the early mission era by Native American labor which can still be seen on the western edge of Hotel San Luis Obispo to bring water downtown. Over the years, communities here have struggled between trying to provide water privately or public utilities balancing costs and services. … ” Read more from the San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Settlement progress announced in Ventura’s water suit
“Parties seeking a settlement in the Ventura River Watershed Adjudication say they’re “encouraged” by progress made in the latest mediation session. Eleven major parties involved in the structured mediation process met in a joint session with mediator David Ceppos on May 22. In the 12th mediation session since Los An- geles Superior Court Judge William F. Highberger granted the first stay in the case more than two years ago, Ceppos met with representatives from 11 major parties, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Water Resources Control Board, the city of Ventura, the city of Ojai, the East End Group and Casitas Municipal Water District. … ” Read more from the Ojai Valley News.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
VIDEO: Beavers reintroduced on the Tule River Reservation
“Beavers were reintroduced to the South Fork Tule River on June 12 thanks to a partnership between the Tule River Tribe and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Tribal leaders started working on a pathway to reintroduce beavers on the reservation a decade ago. After years of research and advocacy, CDFW received funding and launched the Beaver Restoration Program in 2022. CDFW states that the program, “partners with tribes, non-governmental organizations, private landowners and other state, federal and local agencies to implement beaver restoration projects.” Watch video from SJV Water.
Tehachapi Basin water rights are getting pricey
“Golden Hills Community Service District’s recent purchase of Tehachapi Basin water rights from Jeff Ciachurski for $10,000 per acre-foot appears to have set a new record for valuation — at least in terms of completed deals. If another reported deal between the Sage Ranch developer and a Canadian businessman is completed, the price per acre-foot — more than $29,000 — would be far greater than any known previous deal for Tehachapi Basin water rights. The Golden Hills payment to Ciachurski was among other financial transactions reported at the district board’s June 20 meeting. General Manager Chris Carlson confirmed the payment was for 38 acre-feet of water rights, totaling $380,000. … ” Read more from the Tehachapi News.
EASTERN SIERRA
Grand jury: ‘How long can the Inyokern Community Services District tread water?’
“The Kern County Grand Jury released an early report concerning the Inyokern Community Services District Tuesday, calling the district “a plethora of inaction.” After receiving numerous complaints about the district, the grand jury launched an investigation, and found many items of concern. In the summary of the report, the grand jury stated ICSD is just one breakdown away from NOT having water, which turned out to be a prophetic statement last Friday after the district’s only well experienced problems with its pressure system, pumps and hydropneumatic tanks. As a result, the State Water Resources Control Board issued a boil water mandate which was subsequently lifted earlier this week. The grand jury further stated ICSD “is broke and broken.” … ” Read more from the Ridgecrest Independent.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A look at how far away some of Southern California’s water needs to travel
“Southern California relies on most of its water coming from a long way away. Here’s a look at several of the aqueducts that keep our taps flowing year-round. California receives 75% of its rain and snow in the watersheds north of Sacramento. However, 80% of water demand comes from the southern two-thirds of the state. About 25% of the water used in Southern California comes from the Colorado River. Another 30% originates in the northern Sierra. The remaining 45% comes from a mix of what are considered local supplies, which include Los Angeles’ Eastern Sierra deliveries as well as recycling, desalination and groundwater supplies. … ” Read more from the Redlands Daily Facts.
LA council committee approves motion to study feasibility of banning synthetic turf
“A Los Angeles City Council committee Friday advanced a motion calling for a study on the feasibility of banning synthetic grass, citing health and environmental concerns. In a 4-0 vote, the council’s Energy and Environment Committee approved the motion introduced by Councilman Bob Blumenfield and seconded by Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky on May 24. Through the study, the council members are looking to understand the health and environmental risks of what are known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which can be found in artificial turf. … ” Read more from KABC.
One of Earth’s oldest known plants takes center stage in California development battle
“After a contentious five-hour public meeting, environmentalists advocates have persuaded Inland Empire officials to delay development of a project within 400 feet of one of the oldest known plants in the state and the third-oldest in the world. “Tonight has been a real learning process,” Jurupa Valley City Planning Commission Chair Penny Newman said at the Thursday meeting. “I think we all need time to process the information we’ve had here tonight.” The commission voted unanimously to table the vote. Commissioners said the developers must do more studies into the potential effects on the plant, a Palmer oak, and further explore protective measures. Commissioners also requested more details on a plan to transfer ownership of the tree and surrounding land to a local tribe, who would oversee its conservation. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Desert Onion Growers Association annual meeting feeds food and knowledge
“The Desert Onion Growers Association (DOGA) held its second annual dinner Thursday, June 20, at the Old Eucalyptus School House in El Centro. Growers and those associated with agriculture, ancillary suppliers, and friends of agriculture came for the ribeye dinner and to listen to a panel of speakers. The event was emceed by Brett Miller, DOGA executive director. The dehydrated onion growers of Imperial County were joined by growers from Blythe and Colorado River Indian Tribes and other local growers interested in hearing from JR Echard, PVID General Manager, Alex Cardenas, IID Board Chairman and keynote speaker, Colorado River Board of CA, Executive Director Christopher Harris. Mr. Harris has been with the Colorado River Board of CA since August 2000. He is involved in the Board’s major programs and activities associated with protecting and managing California’s rights and interests in its Colorado River water and hydropower supplies. … ” Read more from the Desert Review.
SAN DIEGO
The Water Authority punted on extraordinary rate increases
“After hours of debate, San Diego’s water importer (because the region has to buy most of its water from outside the county) decided to raise rates just a smidgen – and put off the doom-iest part of its proposed water price spike until next month.Why? Well, a lot of local water district representatives (there are 33) weren’t comfortable with how the city of San Diego (the region’s biggest and most powerful water buyer) wanted to try and stave off bigger rate increases. And the city, which has the power to ram through anything it wants, hit the pause button instead. … ” Read more from the Voice of San Diego.
Along the Colorado River …
Solutions to Arizona’s water challenges: What can we do?
Water resources in Arizona are under stress from climate change, a two-decade megadrought, and chronic overuse. These combined influences have led to surface water losses, drying streams and wetlands, and groundwater depletion as pumping exceeds replenishment. Communities are facing the possibility that the water sources they rely on now may shrink in the future, or even vanish. Uncertainty regarding Colorado River water — a large component of Arizona’s water portfolio and one that is shared with six other US basin states — also raises questions about Arizona’s water future. The quality of available water is a concern as well. Where supply is limited, lower quality water and wastewater can be valuable resources, but only if they can be treated to suitable standards. These concerns beg the question: What can be done? That very question was the focus of the Water Resources Research Center’s 2023 annual conference, “What Can We Do? Solutions to Arizona’s Water Challenges.” Panelists and presenters highlighted ongoing efforts to address the state’s water challenges, as well as new and innovative solutions currently under development. During the conference, several additional themes emerged, such as the need for better, more accessible data, improved technology, and collaboration. Read more from The Arroyo
Commentary: Arizona leaders wanted more water. Then they cut the funding to get it
Opinion columnist Joanna Allhands writes, “The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority is clapping back at state leaders who stripped them of cash in this year’s budget. But you might not hear it over the din of angry tweets and lawsuits that flew over other parts of the process. Still, it would be a mistake for the governor and legislative leaders to overlook what WIFA is telling them, even if it is cloaked in formal “whereas” statements. Because the resolution its board of directors passed this week points out something we all overlooked: That state leaders ignored the law to claw back at least some of that cash. … ” Read more from Arizona Central.
Colorado River officials propose tracking conserved water
“Water managers in the upper Colorado River basin took another step this week toward a more formal water conservation program that they say will benefit the upper basin states. Representatives from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico unanimously passed a motion Wednesday at a meeting of the Upper Colorado River Commission to explore creating a way to track, measure and store conserved water in Lake Powell and other upper basin reservoirs. The motion directed staff and state advisers to prepare a proposal that lays out criteria for conservation projects and creates a mechanism for generating credit for those projects. The deadline for the proposal is Aug. 12, and commissioners plan to consider it at a late-summer meeting. … ” Read more from Aspen Journalism.
Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …
YOUR INPUT WANTED: California Water Commission Public Engagement Survey
YOUR INPUT WANTED: Bureau of Reclamation seeks public comment on environmental assessment of proposed water conservation agreement
