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| Press releases and coverage of PCL in the media. |
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High Speed Rail: Do it Right or Not at All (08-29-10)
Mercury News - Even Legislators agree that it is better to do High Speed Rail right, than to make it timely but wrong. The Rail Authority has proposed the cheapest, quickest build options for its route. The California Coalition on High Speed Rail, the League and others are now advocating to do it right, or not at all. |
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Schwarzenegger Signs Bill to Delay Water Bond (08-28-10)
IndyBay - Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 1265 (Caballero) into law, effectively postponing the $11 billion water bond until the November 2012 elections. Those that opposed the water bond, including the League, thought the bill should have removed it from the ballot permanently instead of postponing it. |
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Chevron Tries Sacramento End-Run Around CEQA (08-24-10)
Berkeley Daily Planet - A court ruled Chevron's environmental impact was flawed after a lawsuit proved the oil giant said one thing in the report, but told Wall Street something different. Now Chevron is trying to get a legislative exemption from CEQA. The League and scores of other environmental groups oppose the exemption. |
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Green Group's Backing City's America Cup Bid (08-24-10)
San Francisco Chronicle - Environmental groups and the City of San Francisco have agreed to work together to bring the America's Cup to the Bay Area. PCL's Tina Andolina promised the League would work with the City to ensure a smooth and swift process for getting the area ready for the Cup. |
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Judge Won't Reopen High Speed Rail Challenge (08-23-10)
Palo Alto Online - A Superior Court judge finalized his ruling to not reopen a lawsuit against the High Speed Rail Authority, but did make some changes to the ruling. The League and others asked for reconsideration of its 2009 suit after learning ridership projections were skewed by the Authority. |
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Rail Authority Stands by its Ridership Projections (08-21-10)
Mercury News - One day after a Superior Court Judge tentatively ruled not to open a lawsuit against the Rail Authority, the Authority released a 2,454 page revised environmental impact report. The is a plaintiff, along with others, in the suit and argue the ridership numbers were skewed by the Authority to pick the more environmentally damaging Peninsula route. |
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America's Cup May Need Environmental Exemption(08-19-10)
San Francisco Chronicle - The City of San Francisco is moving quickly to seek a legislative exemption from CEQA in order to put in a bid for the America's Cup. PCL's Tina Andolina said the devil's in the details and it is likely environmentalist's concerns can be addressed. |
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Judge Expected to Rule Today Not to Reopen High Speed Rail Lawsuit by Atherton, Menlo Park (08-18-10)
Mercury News - A Superior Court Judge in Sacramento County is expected to finalize his preliminary decision to not allow the lawsuit against the High Speed Rail Authority to reopen. The Cities of Atherton and Menlo Park, along with the League and others are plaintiffs in the case. |
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California Water Bond Put Off Till 2012 (08-09-10)
Fresno Bee - Fearing voters won't be interested in spending more money, the $11 billion water bond was pulled from the November 2010 ballot. The California Legislature voted to postpone it to the 2012 ballot instead. |
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Schwarzenegger Signs Bill to Delay Water Bond (08-28-10)
IndyBay - Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 1265 (Caballero) into law, effectively postponing the $11 billion water bond until the November 2012 elections. Those that opposed the water bond, including the League, thought the bill should have removed it from the ballot permanently instead of postponing it. |
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California Water Bond Put Off Till 2012 (08-09-10)
Fresno Bee - Fearing voters won't be interested in spending more money, the $11 billion water bond was pulled from the November 2010 ballot. The California Legislature voted to postpone it to the 2012 ballot instead. |
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Outgunned and Outnumbered, High Speed Rail Opponents Have Numerous Options to Fight Back (08-15-10)
Contra Costa Times - The $42.6 billion high speed rail project is quickly moving ahead. Opponents have four options lawsuits, local ballot measures, a state ballot measure and lobbying the Legislature. The League has met with key committee leaders in Sacramento to seek changes in the project.
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Water Bond Delay Denies Voters Chance to Send Message on Environment, Spending (08-13-10)
California Progress Report - Legislative leaders scrambled for a two-thirds vote to remove Proposition 18 from "the jaws of almost certain death." PCL's Traci Sheehan commented that water districts, peripheral canal supporters, and property owners supported the Proposition, while nearly every newspaper Editorial board opposed the boondoggle. |
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The 18-million Member Legislature (08-12-10)
Del Mar Times -Voters elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf in a democracy. Except in California, where voters govern by ballot measures. It may be a sign that voters are frustrated with their leaders, but some big decisions will be made this November, including: spending billions on new reservoirs, legalizing marijuana, rolling back AB 32, and allowing a simple majority to pass the state budget. |
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Legislature Delays Schwarzenegger Water Bond Until 2012 (08-11-10)
YubaNet - On August 9th the California Legislature passed AB 1265, which delays the controversial water bond until November 2012. PCL's Tina Andolina said that voters want the right solution for California's water problems now, not the wrong solution two years from now. |
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Air Board to Release Proposed Greenhouse Gas Targets (08-07-10)
Press Enterprise - SoCal communities will need to expand public transit, curb sprawl, and take other steps to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets set to be released by the California Air Resources Board. PCL's Tina Andolina says ambitious targets must be set. |
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Lawmakers Got Playoff Tickets from Stadium Developer ( 08-02-10)
Los Angeles Times - The Legislature voted to approve a bill late last year that waived state environmental rules for a 75,000-seat stadium to be built by Majestic Realty. Lobby firms gave of thousands of dollars in gifts including rounds of golf, tickets to Disneyland, liquor, NBA Playoff tickets and expensive meals. |
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Hollywood Stars Slam Schwarzenegger's Water Bond (08-02-10)
YubaNet - The No on Prop. 18 Campaign released a public service announcement with many of Hollywood's elite opposing the water bond. The League, California Sports Fishing Association and others oppose the water bond. |
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Previous Money Unspent As Leaders Urge New Bond (08-01-10)
San Francisco Chronicle - As voters are pressed to pass the state's largest water bond in history, an investigation into other bond dollars was conducted. The results show that $3 billion of the $20 billion passed has not been spent and nearly $1 billion of that $3 billion was in line for more money from the 2010 water bond. |
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How Climate Change Impacts Water (07-30-10)
California Progress Report - PCL's Traci Sheehan shares news about Tetra Tech's recent report that shows how climate change will impact water supplies. One-third of all counties in the lower 48 states will face high risks of a water shortage by 2050. California is already facing shortages, which is why PCL released its 8 Affordable Water Solutions report outlining solutions that conserve water and take into account climate change and water supply shortages. |
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Viewpoints: CEQA is Worth a Goal-Line Stand (07-30-10)
Sacramento Bee: AEG has been hitting the streets in Sacramento to possibly get an exemption on its downtown LA Stadium. AEG says it is only seeking what neighboring City of Industry's Majestic Realty got for its stadium. The law should be applied fairly and decision makers shouldn’t waiver at the whim of wealthy businesses. |
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Orange City Council Votes to Oppose High Speed Rail (07-28-10)
Red County - The California High Speed Rail Authority is pushing to take City of Orange property through eminent domain to get the High Speed Rail line through Orange. The City Council voted unanimously to oppose the project for a number of reasons including lack of a viable financial plan. |
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Hollywood Stars Slam Schwarzenegger's Water Bond (07-26-10)
IndyBay - The No on 18 campaign released a public service announcement which includes Hollywood big-wigs like Justine Bateman, Anna Belknap and David DeLuise and others united against the pork-laden water bond. The League, Friends of the River, Clean Water Action are just a few groups part of the growing coalition opposed to the bond. |
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CA Air Resources Board Called On To Set Ambitious Targets to Combat Climate Change (07-16-10)
California Progress Report - PCL's Traci Sheehan write about the Air Resources Board setting targets in compliance with SB 375. The Board has recently begun a series of community workshops on the topic where comments include that the targets being set are too low and wouldn't lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. |
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Governor Signs Free Range Egg Bill into Law (07-07-10)
The Desert Sun - Assemblyman Jared Huffman's bill, AB 1437, was signed into law Tuesday by Governor Schwarzenegger. The bill, supported by the League, required eggs sold in California to be laid by hens that can turn around freely, lay down, stand up and fully extend their limbs. |
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Roos-Collins Withdraws from Delta Panel (07-07-10)
San Francisco Chronicle - Roos-Collins, a Berkeley environmental lawyer, withdrew his name from the list of possible appointees to the newly created Delta Stewardship Council. The League, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council and others opposed his possible appointment due to conflicts of interest. |
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Governor Seeks to Postpone Costly Water Bond Initiative Until 2012 (July 2010)
East County Magazine - Governor Schwarzenegger is seeking to postpone the $11 billion water bond, which requires 2/3 vote of the State Legislature for approval, since the measure was facing mounting opposition. The League and others do not support the bond for a variety of reasons. |
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Legislative Round Up: Heading into the Final Stretch (07-02-10)
California Progress Report - PCL's Executive Director Traci Sheehan recaps the environmental and public health bills that the League was supporting that will move forward after the Legislature reconvenes in August. |
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Hoopa Valley Tribe Calls on Legislature to Repeal Water Bond (07-02-10)
IndyBay - Hoopa Valley Tribe leaders says the Governor's attempt to pull the water bond from the November ballot is indicative of its weakness. The League, the Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman's Associations, Friends of the River and others oppose the bond. |
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Yeas, Nays Greet Water Bond Delay (07-01-10)
Hartford Sentinel - Governor Schwarzenegger, a big proponent of the water
bond, announced an effort to pull the water bond from the November ballot.
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayer's Association relayed their hopes for the bond: a
thinner bond with better language on which infrastructure would be built or
fixed. |
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Schwarzenegger Calls for Water Bond Delay (06-29-10)
IndyBay - Governor Schwarzenegger is said to have felt the overwhelming
opposition to the proposed water bond, which is why he will work with
California Legislators to remove it from the November ballot. Those who
oppose the bond, like the League, believe more sustainable water policy must
be adopted to fix California's water woes.
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Governor Urges Postponing Calif. Water Bond (06-29-10)
ABC Local - Criticism that the proposed $11 billion water bond will do
nothing, Governor Schwarzenegger will seek a delay in order to avoid the
measure's defeat in November. The League consistently states that the bond
is flawed and doesn't solve our water problems. |
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Schwarzenegger Urges Postponing $11 billion Water Bond (06-29-10)
Reuters - Governor Schwarzenegger urged leaders to focus on California's
strained financial crisis instead of focusing on the water bond. He will
work with leaders to delay voting on the bond until 2012. The League's Tina
Andolina says the bond doesn't protect taxpayers from private companies
profting off the backs of taxpayers. |
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Water Bond May be Pulled from Ballot (06-29-10)
Central Valley Business Times - The bond proposed reworking California's
water delivery system at a cost of $11 billion to taxpayers. Opponents, like
the League, say that more is needed to fix our water infrastructure and
create sustainable water policy. |
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California Teachers Association Votes to Oppose Water Bond (Proposition 18)
(06-29-10)
IndyBay - Citing enormous existing budget deficits, the state can't afford
to take on $1 billion more a year -- funds that will get cut from other
essential student and school services. The Association joins the League,
Restore the Delta, the Winnemem-Wintu Tribe and others in opposition to the
$11 billion bond. |
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Downtown Football Stadium Proposal Prompts Call for Environmental Review
(06-28-10)
Los Angeles Times - Seventy-two environmental groups sent an opposition
letter to California Legislators regarding a possible waiver of
environmental review by stadium owner AEG. The League's Tina Andolina
states we are trying to stop this possible waiver of CEQA before it gets any
traction. |
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Environmental Groups Preparing for Fight Against Downtown NFL Stadium
(06-27-10)
San Gabriel Valley Tribune - Worries that AEG will be requesting reprieve
from environmental review for building a massive stadium, environmental
groups circulated an opposition letter today. The League, Sierra Club
California and nearly 70 others are opposed and taking offensive action
since the last time an exemption was approved the public had 42 hours to
review the bill. |
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New Bill Highlights Loopholes in Water Bond (06-25-10)
California Progress Report - AB 2775 (Huffman) tacitly admits a flaw in the
water bond. Huffman's bill wouldn't allow private entities to own water
infrastructure (like dams) that could be funded by the bond. The bill
passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. |
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Enviro Groups Urge Scrutiny of Downtown LA Stadium (06.21.10)
News - AEG lobbyists seemed to be making the rounds in Sacramento
requesting an exemption from the environmental review provided by the
California Environmental Quality Act. The League's Tina Andolina says there
is no justifiable reason the exemption is needed and allows Sacramento
bureaucrats to make local land use decisions. |
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Inter-Tribal Water Commission Recommends No Vote on Water Bond (06-17-10)
IndyBay - The Inter-Tribal Water Commission focuses on three reasons for
its opposition: the bond is written without Tribal inclusion, the language
excludes Tribes from eligibility criteria and Tribal Water Rights are
excluded through the conveyance. The Commission joins the ranks of PCL,
Sierra Club, Food and Water Watch, among others in its opposition. |
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Food and Water Watch and Statewide Coalition Oppose Water Bond (06-04-10)
Indy Bay - Bi-partisan legislators joined the coalition led by the League and others opposing the November 2010 water bond. Senator Wolk says the water bond uses 19th century solutions for 21st century problems. |
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Political Blogger: Phone Book Bill Dies in State Senate (06-03-10)
Contra Costa Times - Senator Yee's legislation to stop doorstep delivery of phone books was defeated 12-18. Nearly 78 million phone books are delivered annually. The bill was supported by the League, Californians Against Waste, and Environment California among others. |
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Tunnel, Not Canal, Delta Group Says (06-01-10)
Contra Costa Times - The League picked up on an idea from the Contra Costa Water District to build a tunnel, instead of the Peripheral Canal. Benefits of the tunnel include: decreased environmental damage, decreased costs and quicker implementation time frame. |
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Legislation to Eliminate Lead in Drinking Water (05-28-10)
Water World - The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed legislation to eliminate the health threat and economic burden caused by water-borne lead exposure in households. This bill was supported by the League, Natural Resources Defense Council and others. |
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Split Enviros Ready to Rumble Over $11B Water Bond Referendum in Calif. (05-27-10)
New York Times - Environmental groups that usually stand shoulder-to-shoulder against corporate interests are divided over the water bond. While Audubon and The Nature Conservancy support the bond, the Planning and Conservation League, Sierra Club, Friends of the River don't support it. |
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Wet Winter Fails to Ease Californians Water Anxiety (05-24-10)
Recordnet - Despite an increased rainfall this season, Californians perceptions of the water issues haven't changed much in the last six months. The League's Tina Andolina says the bond supporters are promoting false hope. |
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Governor's Revised Budget: No Dam Good (05-14-10)
California Progress Report - The Governor's proposed budget includes funding from the widely unpopular water bond, which means he's counting his chickens before they hatch. The state's debt service will take priority over nearly every other item in the state budget. |
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'War is on' for Water Bond (05-13-10) NOTICE THE DATE
Sacramento Bee - Though the General Election is still 170 days away all eyes are on the state water bond. Assemblyman Berryhill (R - Ceres) said he thought environmental groups would step up to the plate and oppose the bond. He stated that when you are pushing the truth you can do it with less money [referring to the bond's $11 billion price tag]. |
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Altamont Pass is Faster California Bullet Train Route and Better for the Environment (05-13-10)
Halfway to Concord - Local jurisdictions joined forces with conservation groups, including the League, to study the feasibility of sending the High Speed Rail over the Altamont Pass and Highway 101. A French firm, known for its expertise on bullet trains, completed the study which was then submitted as comments to the Environmental Impact Report. |
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Group Sues High Speed Rail For Skewing Numbers (05-07-10)
The Red County - The Environmental Impact Report used the wrong numbers in its study of the High Speed Rail alignment, which skews everything from the environmental impacts to the revenue generation. The League along with two other environmental groups and two cities challenged the High Speed Rail Authority. |
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Menlo Park, Atherton Want Rail Suit Reopened (05-06-10)
Palo Alto Online - The Cities of Menlo Park and Atherton, alongside several environmental organizations, including the League, filed suit to force the High Speed Rail Authority to reconsider the Bay Area route. Among the concerns, was the ridership model used to substantiate the preferred alignment of the Pacheco Pass. |
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Rail Groups: Altamont or Lawsuit (05-05-10)
The San Mateo Daily Journal - The California High Speed Rail Authority's preferred route is through Pacheco Pass, but a report commissioned by three environmental groups, including the League, states that the Altamont Pass is a better route. The report has gained early support from local elected officials. |
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Comedian Waits State Appointment (05-04-10)
Fresno Bee - Comedian Paul Rodriguez says Governor Schwarzenegger plans appoint him to the California Water Commission, which would hand out money from the state water bond, if it is approved by voters in November. The League's Jonas Minton commented the Governor thinks billions of taxpayer dollars can be wisely allocated by a comedian and shows why the water bond is such a bad idea. |
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Comedian Says Guv Will Pick Him For Powerful Water Panel (05-04-10)
Fresno Bee - Comedian Paul Rodriguez says he's an average guy that can get the job done and is expecting Governor Schwarzenegger to appoint him to the California Water Commission. The League's Jonas Minton commented the Governor thinks billions of taxpayer dollars can't be wisely allocated by a comedian and shows why the water bond is such a bad idea. |
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Groups Release Report in Favor of East Bay Bullet Train Route (05-04-10)
Mercury News - The League and others released a report that demonstrates the proposed High Speed Rail train would get to the Bay Area faster and cause less environmental damage if it travelled through the East Bay. The report found that by opting for the East Bay route, 53 miles of track are freed up for use by Caltrain. |
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Referendum on Calif. Greenhouse Gas Law Appears Headed for Voters (05-03-10)
Legal Newsline - Voters may see a referendum that postpones implementation of California's landmark global warming legislation (AB 32) for better economic times. Proposed legislation from Assemblyman Logue would have done the same thing, but it stalled amid fierce opposition from the League, NRDC and Sierra Club California. |
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Sustainability Report Released (05-01-10)
The League is among 27 in a broad coalition that released the second edition of the Sustainability Report: California Water Solutions Now. The groups hope to inform the ongoing debate about how to supply water to the state, especially in light of the $11 billion water bond. |
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Sacramento Based Lobbyist Opposes Cargill's Saltworks Project (04-30-10)
San Jose Mercury News - The League sent a letter to the Mayor of Redwood City stating its opposition to the 12,000-house development on salt ponds in the city. The League's Tina Andolina commented that the Bay Area should accommodate growth sensibly and without sacrificing opportunities to restore wetlands. |
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Bill To Stop Peripheral Canal Killed in Committee (04-27-10)
Indy Bay - Assemblymember Huber's attempt to have a full legislative vote before approving plans for the peripheral canal around the Delta was defeated today due to a lack of a second on the motion. The League, Restore the Delta, and others supported the legislation because it required legislative oversight and fiscal analysis. |
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760,000 Signatures Ensure Parks Funding Measure Will be on the November Ballot (04-26-10)
California Progress Report - A coalition of environmental groups gathered enough signatures for the statewide parks funding measure to be added to the November ballot. The League supports the measure, which would allow free day use access to all State Parks and Beaches in exchange for an $18 addition to the vehicle license fee. |
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The Carbonator (04-26-10)
Mother Jones - California didn't wait for the feds to mandate carbon emissions control equipment -- it pioneered environmental legislation. With recent reports from the state, some decision makers are taking heed -- they may now think twice about building homes below sea level in the Bay Area says PCL's Matt Vander Sluis. |
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Joint Letter at Democratic Convention Urges Delegates to Oppose Water Bond (04-18-10)
California Progress Report - California faces significant challenges in
terms of its water supply, infrastructure and environmental concerns, but
the water bond is ill-timed and has huge budgetary implications for the
state. The League and Democratic leaders like former Attorney General John
Van de Kamp, retired Senator Byron Sher and current Senator Lois Wolk, among
others, signed the letter. |
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Debate over $11.1B Water Bond Begins (04-17-10)
Whittier Daily News - With the November ballot more than six months away,
water bond supporters are out in force advocating for its passage stating
the bond is a comprehensive plan for our water. The League is spearheading
the environmental community's campaign against the bond. |
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Resident Assumes New Role (04-14-10)
The Malibu Times - In 2008, conservation groups protected 240,000 acres of the Tejon Ranch and formed a conservancy to run the land. The Conservancy just hired a new public access coordinator from Malibu to run the outreach programs. |
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Judge Warner Affirms Flows to Protect Central Valley Salmon (04-08-10)
California Progress Report - A federal judge ruled in favor of conservation
groups and the Winnemem Wintu Tribe when he ruled to affirm restrictions on
Delta pumping to protect the imperiled Central Valley Salmon. The League
has been working to protect the fish and ensure a wise course for the Delta
ecosystem. |
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Viewpoints: Eight Ways the State Can Secure Its Water Future and Save Money (03-27-10)
Sacramento Bee. Three factors are driving California's water crisis: collapsing fisheries; altered snowmelt and rainfall due to climate change; and the fiscal meltdown. The League's Jonas Minton outlines eight solutions California can implement to improve the situation.
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Transit Operators Funding; Hopes Crushed with Governor's Veto of Gas Tax Swap (03-19-10)
California Progress Report - PCL's Traci Sheehan writes about the Governor recently vetoed legislation that would have secured $350 million for annual transit operations -- a decision that now leaves transit operation funds vulnerable to raids. |
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New Crop Requires No H2O (03-19-10)
Auburn Journal - A private investment group owning land within the Westlands Water District has proposed converting 30,000 acres of fallow land into a solar park that captures the sun's energy. Unusual allies include the League and Sierra Club in supporting this endeavor.
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Long Way to Go for Water Bond Until November Ballot (03-09-10)
San Diego News Room - Three times as many voters strongly oppose the water bond as those who strongly support it, says a poll out by Tulchin Research. The League, Sierra Club California, Restore the Delta and others that oppose the bond, paid for the poll.
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Corporate Agribusiness Giant Goes Rogue (03-08-10)
IndyBay - The largest water district in the nation, Westlands Water District, has pulled its membership from the Association of California Water Agenices (ACWA). According to PCL Westlands is known as the "Darth Vader" of water agencies to groups trying to protect the Delta. |
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Senator Feinstein Backs Off on Salmon Killer Amendment for Now (03-02-10)
IndyBay - Senator Feinstein pulled her amendment that would have sent more water to the Westlands Water District at the expense of Delta fish populations. She continues to work closely with big agri-business and Governor Schwarzenegger to build the Peripheral Canal and new dams. |
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Opponents: Poll Shows Water Bond in Trouble (02-20-10)
RecordNet - Fifty-five percent of voters are opposed to the $11 billion water bond. Pollsters say they couldn't find an example of a statewide bond that passed after a majority of voters initially opposed iit. |
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Poll Shows Voters Ready to Flush $11 Billion Water Bond (02-19-10)
YubaNet - A recent poll by Tulchin Research indicates that 55% of voters are opposed to the bond placed on the November ballot by the Legislature and Governor. PCL's Tina Andolina states that no demographic group anywhere in the state supports the bond. |
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Poll Shows Water Bond Will Sink (02-19-10)
Sacramento Bee - Of 600 likely voters polled, the majority don't support the proposed water bond. Though critics say the poll was tainted, bond opponents say the state will have a hard time asking voters to borrow even more money at a fiscally constrained time. |
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Poll Finds Most Oppose Water Bond (02-18-10)
New poll shows a majority of California voters oppose the $11.1 billion water bond that the Legislature and the Governor have placed on the November ballot, according to a recent statewide poll conducted by Tulchin Research. |
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Poll Shows Voters Ready to Flush $11 Billion Water Bond in November (02-18-10)
Common Dreams - More than 55% of likely voters seem to oppose the proposed Water Bond, a bond that some say will just add more red ink to California's budget woes. PCL's Tina Andolina says she is glad to see voters agree that this bond is bad for taxpayers. |
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Menlo Park, Atherton Will Try to Re-Open High Speed Rail Lawsuit (02-09-10)
Silicon Valley Mercury News - Environmental groups, Menlo Park and Atherton sued the High Speed Rail Authority and are now trying to reopen the case since new information on ridership has come to light -- information that may have been hidden by the Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission. |
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McGeorge Schedules Forum on State Water Policy (02-09-10)
Sacramento Bee - McGeorge is offering a free forum on February 22nd to discuss the proposed water bond, as well as environmental, legal and economic issues. PCL and the Metropolitan Water District will provide perspectives. |
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Water Agencies Meet, Discuss Self Sufficiency (02-08-10)
Contra Costa Times - Regional water agencies met to discuss local options to become more self sufficient -- such as groundwater, water recycling, and conservation. The proposed solution on the table now, is the $11 billion state water bond, which opposed by PCL. |
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HR 4225 Would Allow Stimulus Money to Pay Non-Federal Costs of Water Projects (02-04-10)
California Progress Report - HR 4225 is a departure from decades requiring private beneficiaries to pay for their fair share of public works projects. PCL's David Maurier writes the League and others are submitting a letter to the requesting an amendment that preserves the oversight of public dollars on federal stimulus projects. |
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Sustainability Symposium Draws Crowd Over 300 (01-31-10)
PCL and PCLF's annual event included exception keynote presentations by Senator Alan Lowenthal and sustainable builder Curt Johansen. Nearly 40 speakers and hundreds of business leaders, activists, attorneys and planners filled the Sacramento Convention Center for this solutions-oriented event. |
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California High Speed Rail Getting Stimulus Fed Funds (01-31-10)
Anaheim Examiner - If the High Speed Rail Authority has full environmental clearance by Fall 2011 and the project is obligated by 2012, the federal government will provide stimulus funds totaling $2.25 billion. PCL's General Counsel Gary Patton notes that the program level environmental impact report for the Bay Area portion must be redone, due to the League and others' lawsuit, and this will take time. |
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PCL & PCLF Announce Sold Out Symposium (01-28-10)
The annual environmental legislative symposium has over 330 participants coming to Saturday’s event, which is focused on climate change, land use, water, and coastal issues. |
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Despite Storms, Water Supply This Year Could be Like Last Year (01-27-10)
Contra Costa Times - State official implemented water rationing last year due to a dry year and even though significant storms have increased rainfall and snowpack even less water may be available from the Delta. PCL's Jonas Minton commented that this shows why California needs to implement more water conservation measures instead of building more dams with less rainfall. |
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Senate Committee Critiques Governor's Attacks on Environment, Public Health (01-24-10)
California Progress Report - The Governor's proposals to cut transit, open the coast for oil drilling, and encourage poorly planned developments received review by the Senate Budget Committee. The Committee was skeptical that the proposals would create jobs or balance the budget writes PCL's Traci Sheehan. |
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California High Speed Rail Business Plan-Senate Transportation & Sub Committee on Finance (01-22-10)
Anaheim Examiner - The High Speed Rail Authority's newest business plan went under scrutiny by the Senate, specifically questioning ridership numbers and state guarantees. PCL's Tina Andolina says high speed rail needs to be done right or there won't be a train. |
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Interior Puts Brakes on 2-Gates Delta Experiment (01-15-10)
IndyBay - Fisherman, farmers, environmental groups have a proposal that would divert fish away from the Delta water pumping facilities. The Bureau of Reclaimation states the project's premise needs to be established before the project can move forward. |
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'The Cadillac of California Irrigation Districts' Has More Than a Tiny Fish to Blame For Its Troubles (01-12-10)
High Country News - A two year drought and the endangered Delta smelt have significantly reduced water exports to farms in the Central Valley. PCL's Jonas Minton says there's a notion to restore the Delta means separating the fish from the water -- and that is biologically unsound. |
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Carlsbad Legal Challenge Loses Surfrider Foundation (01-11-10)
International Desalination and Water Reuse Quarterly - Coastkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation had filed an appeal to a 2008 State Land's Commission approval of the Carlsbad Poseidon Desal Plant. PCL's Jonas Minton challenges Poseidon's statement of a zero-carbon footprint. |
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Committee Rejects Suspending Calif. Greenhouse Gas Law (01-11-10)
Legal Newsline - A business-backed measure to put California's innovative climate legislation on hold due to the lagging economy was rejected. The League, along with others, opposed this proposal to ensure greenhouse gas emissions are reduced in a timely manner. |
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Pumping Depletes Central Valley Water, Data Show (01-08-10)
Best Make Money - Overzealous pumping has depleted the Central Valley's aquifers and the rate of pumping is no longer sustainable. California doesn't require monitoring of groundwater pumping. The League and others say the recently passed monitoring regulations aren't binding and force unfunded local agencies to take the matter on. |
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Health and Environment Groups Support Adoption of Air District Greenhouse Gas and Toxics Standards (01-06-10)
The League, along with other conservation groups have supported the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's adoption of standards for greenhouse gas emissions and toxics. Projects not meeting the standard would be required to take measures reducing their emissions. |
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California Hangs on to PEX Pipe Plans for Now (01-05-10)
Plastics Today - The League, along with the California Pipe Trades Council, convinced a Superior Court Judge that the state failed to test the health risks associated with the use of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes. At the end of December, the Plastic Pipes and Fitting Association filed an appeal to reverse the decision. |
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Luxury Development's Dubious Delta Water Supply (01-04-10)
Contra Costa Times - The development of 3,500 houses in Kern County will likely rely on a 15 year old agreement for using Delta water. The agreement stated Kern's Delta water supply would be as reliable as the water sent to Southern California. Some groups are challenging the development for this and other reasons. |
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