The Gamble: Californias Prop 1 includes $2.7B for new water storage. This terms has historically meant new dams. However, there is so much public opposition to building new dams that proposition architects have intensionally avoided defining what water storage projects would be funded. If funded, many state and federal agencies, along with farming and urban water interests, will surely be seeking to fund long advocated dams on (or drawing water from) the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers and/or raising Shasta Dam. Such projects would submerge and/or reduce flows in the States greatest rivers. Some enviro groups are supporting Prop 1 as well, rolling the dice and hoping that the funds will be used for wiser groundwater recharge and storage projects instead of dams. Its a shame that this proposition doesnt define what it will fund. Prop 1 forces voters to try and read a crystal ball and figure out if the dam builders or groundwater storage proponents would win the looming money grab following a YES vote. On the other hand, a NO vote would likely kill the chances that any of these dams would be built (or raised) and encourage the State (and Feds) to pursue funding for less controversial and more sustainable groundwater storage, water efficiency, and conservation measures. Great 5 min. The California Report podcast below and other info in the comments.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 17:21:43 +0000
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