Ten states from Nevada to Texas have weighed in to support two water agencies in their fight with an Indian tribe over control of groundwater in the California desert. The states filed a brief Monday before the U.S. Supreme Court, which will soon decide whether to take up an appeal by the Desert Water Agency […]
Water has always been a building block of the California economy. From the Gold Rush to the tech boom, and encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, construction and the service sector, reliable water creates opportunities for growth. Investments in infrastructure support these industries and create well-paying jobs. Over the next few months, water agencies across our state will […]
The measure, called the “Gaining Responsibility on Water Act” or GROW Act, has already passed the US House, largely along party lines. Supporters, including many Central Valley Republicans and farmers, say it would cut the red tape that prevents dams and water storage projects from being built. While that might normally sit well with powerful […]
To explain why she authored a bill to protect water in the Mojave Desert, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman goes back to her childhood. Growing up in Plantation, Florida, on the edge of the Everglades, the 50-year-old Glendale Democrat had a “front-row seat” to the destruction of the swamps, sloughs, and mangrove forests that spread across most […]
Nestled in the mountains of the quiet California town of Ojai is Matilija Dam, which has become a poster child of the national dam removal movement. At 168ft high, the dam towers above Matilija Creek. Since the dam’s construction in 1947, an estimated 8 million cubic yards of sediment have clogged Matilija reservoir, rendering it […]
If Senate Bill 231 (Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys) becomes law, property owners would be saddled with thousands of dollars in additional, annual property taxes. What’s worse is that this bill would allow these tax increases to be implemented without a vote of the people. Political sleight of hand? Yes, and here’s how .SB231 redefines the word “sewer” […]
10 States Back California Agencies in Fight with Tribe Over Groundwater
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Desert Sun (Palm Springs)Ten states from Nevada to Texas have weighed in to support two water agencies in their fight with an Indian tribe over control of groundwater in the California desert. The states filed a brief Monday before the U.S. Supreme Court, which will soon decide whether to take up an appeal by the Desert Water Agency […]
OPINION: California WaterFix Project is Right Investment for Whole State
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /LA Daily Newsby Gary L. Toebben and Ron MillerWater has always been a building block of the California economy. From the Gold Rush to the tech boom, and encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, construction and the service sector, reliable water creates opportunities for growth. Investments in infrastructure support these industries and create well-paying jobs. Over the next few months, water agencies across our state will […]
California’s Largest Water Supplier Says Federal Water Bill Goes Too Far
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Capital Public Radio News (Sacramento)by Amy QuintonThe measure, called the “Gaining Responsibility on Water Act” or GROW Act, has already passed the US House, largely along party lines. Supporters, including many Central Valley Republicans and farmers, say it would cut the red tape that prevents dams and water storage projects from being built. While that might normally sit well with powerful […]
The Science of Desert Water
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Capital and Main (Los Angeles)To explain why she authored a bill to protect water in the Mojave Desert, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman goes back to her childhood. Growing up in Plantation, Florida, on the edge of the Everglades, the 50-year-old Glendale Democrat had a “front-row seat” to the destruction of the swamps, sloughs, and mangrove forests that spread across most […]
One of the Largest Dam Removals in California History Inches Forward
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /News Deeply (New York)Nestled in the mountains of the quiet California town of Ojai is Matilija Dam, which has become a poster child of the national dam removal movement. At 168ft high, the dam towers above Matilija Creek. Since the dam’s construction in 1947, an estimated 8 million cubic yards of sediment have clogged Matilija reservoir, rendering it […]
OPINION: Storm Water Bill Would Evade Taxpayer Protections
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Francisco ChronicleIf Senate Bill 231 (Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys) becomes law, property owners would be saddled with thousands of dollars in additional, annual property taxes. What’s worse is that this bill would allow these tax increases to be implemented without a vote of the people. Political sleight of hand? Yes, and here’s how .SB231 redefines the word “sewer” […]