Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson recently provided a fresh and compelling viewpoint in the Sacramento Bee that the “State needs more water, not just improved sharing.” The Northern California Water Association (NCWA) and our partners in the North State Water Alliance are committed to statewide water solutions that advance the economy, environment, and quality of life in Northern California. We have been a strong proponent that California needs a more comprehensive water plan than just a narrow Delta solution. We share the Mayor’s belief “that Governor Brown can come up with an innovative solution when it comes to water policy,” which should include his administration immediately developing a more “comprehensive statewide water plan.”
As part of this debate, there needs to be a recognition that the Sacramento Valley is special: a verdant mosaic of interdependent family farms, refuges that support birds along the Pacific Flyway, habitat for salmon and other fisheries, and the rural communities and cities (including the state capital). This mosaic, which is essential for the region’s economic and ecological sustainability, is dependent upon our ability to use Northern California water supplies for all these purposes, both now and into the future.
The Mayor’s viewpoint can be seen at Viewpoints: State needs more water, not just improved sharing. To see What’s at Stake in this special region, visit: Northern California Water Association or the North State Water Alliance.
Please be careful with the word “comprehensive.” Today it is shorthand for political double speak. Any “comprehensive” legislation is long and largely unread until people find out that they did not realize what has been buried in the document. Current examples include: the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care), the Bay-Delta – everything, the immigration proposals. Nancy Pelosi best described the use of “comprehensive” when she said about about the ACA something like: “pass it and you will then find out what’s in it.” A more honest statement would be: “California needs a water plan that not only transfers water south, but also protects the rights, interests and resources of the people in the source water areas in Central and Northern California.” When I see the word “comprehensive” associated with anything government, I think it is time to run for cover.