Archive for the Policy & Politics Category
The Return of the California Water Wars
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform how we live, there has been one aspect in California that appears immune to change: the federal and state water wars. The United States’ Bureau of Reclamation is poised for another showdown against the state’s Department of Water Resources over who controls the vital water supply. Last year, the Bureau of Reclamation issued new operating criteria for the Central Valley Project in the form of an 871-page “biological assessment”. Within this document were details on how the water was to be maximized for water supply and delivery while also maintaining adequate protections for […]
Tucson’s One Water Master Plan
Water stress has caused countries around the world to consider ways to mitigate the impact increased population and climate change. In the United States, twenty-nine states, mostly western, have taken into consideration current and future water supplies and usage trends along with factors like population growth and climate change to establish water plans. Tucson, Arizona (Tucson Water) is currently seeking public input as it develops its long-range water and infrastructure plan that will run through 2100. According to its website, the One Water 2100 Master Plan addresses future challenges to water sources and, “will be comprised of numerous elements that […]
The Fight for Clean Water Amidst COVID-19
COVID-19 has changed the world in many ways, one of which is to make everyone across the globe more aware of the importance of hand washing in combating germ transfer. Health care professionals encourage us to sing songs, count to twenty and a myriad of other ideas to ensure that we wash for an appropriate length of time. However, there is a key ingredient in the equation that is missing for a large number of people worldwide: clean water. In a recent article posted on The Conversation (website), David Feldman, Professor Urban Planning & Public Policy and Political Science, Director […]
Aligning Land-Use Planning With Water Conservation
A new bill has been brought to the Colorado Capitol this month in the hopes to encourage local governments to include conservation measures for its existing water supply if it is identified that the city or town will require more water to grow. “In a state that hates mandates, this is a gentle nudge for communities to make sure they are planning for the future when it comes to water,”[1] said state Rep. Jeni Arndt, a Fort Collins Democrat who is bringing the bill. With a goal of 75% of Coloradans living in communities that have incorporated water-saving actions into […]
Louisiana’s Need for a Water Management Plan
Last week, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor released a report detailing how the state of Louisiana is battling water issues on multiple fronts such as water level decline, saltwater intrusion and other states wanting to use Louisiana’s water sources to make up for their own shortfalls. Auditor Daryl Purpera says the state is facing significant threats to its water resources and must act to develop a statewide plan in order to properly address them. One of the most notable highlights from the report says the state has spent $5.3 million on a dozen studies on water resources and management over the […]