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Great
Water Deal of 2009: Historic? 11-11-09
California Progress Report – From far away the recently passed water packages
touches on the five major issues water issues in California. But some environmental
groups like the Sierra Club and PCL are not pleased with the bill. Voters will
decide if the state takes out $11 billion in bonds – pulling out the credit
card the Governor declared California had already torn up. |
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Legislature
Rolls Dice on Water 11-05-09
Sacramento Bee – The Legislature passed a massive water package – some
admitting they never read the bill before voting – which included pet projects,
murky elements and no public testimony on the bill. It passed at 6 AM with little
debate by the Legislature. The last time a bill with massive restructuring was
rushed through the process, it was the deregulation of the electricity market,
which led to disaster. |
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California
Lawmakers Respond on Citrus, Water Issues 11-05-09
The Packer – The State Legislature passed an $11 billion water package
that is supposed to overhaul California’s ailing water system and protect
the fragile Bay Delta. The League, among other conservation groups, is disappointed
with the water package. |
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Subsidies -- Not Solutions 11-04-09
The League released a press statement about its dismay at the recent passage
of the water package by the California Legislature. The League points out there
is no regulatory assurance for the imperiled Delta ecosystem, it continues
the status quo of pumping water from the Delta and asks taxpayers to subsidize
new dams, among other things. |
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SRCSD
Blasts Steinberg for Sponsoring Peripheral Canal Legislation 11-03-09
IndyBay – Steinberg’s water package includes building the peripheral
canal and creating a politically appointed Delta Stewardship Council. The Sacramento
Regional County Sanitation District states the package fails to protect Sacramento
residents and joined the opposition to this water package along with the Planning
and Conservation League. |
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Politics
of Water Splits Environmental Organizations 11-03-09
IndyBay – Some conservation organizations have supported Senator Steinberg’s
Delta water package, while others, including the League, are opposed. The League
has joined with other groups to provide a sustainable and equitable solution
to the crisis in the Delta. |
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Watch for Cheaper, Better Delta Solution (11-03-09)
Sacramento Bee - Concerns about the future of the Bay Delta and the seemingly secret water package have many concerned. PCL’s Jonas Minton focuses his OpEd in the cost-effective and environmental protective solution the League will debut in January. |
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Environmental Groups Around State Oppose Scary Legislative Water Package (10-31-09)
IndyBay – Over 20 water bills were introduced in the California Legislature many over 100 pages each. Legislators are scheduled to vote by November 2nd. Conservation groups, including the League, with their opposition to the dangerous water bills. |
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New Canal Pushed by Various Interests (10-29-09)
San Diego Union Tribune – An effort is underway to build a Peripheral Canal with an attempt to ensure more water to the Central Valley and Southern California. PCL’s Jonas Minton comments that the plan is not environmentally or economically sustainable. |
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No State System Monitors Aquifers (10-25-09)
Ventura Star – Ventura County seems to be ahead of the game in terms of monitoring its aquifer for salt water intrusion, likely due to the fact that agriculture is so dependent on water resources--the water needs to be fresh, and yet the State Legislature doesn’t look at the whole picture when considering decisions about its water resources. PCL’s Charlotte Hodde states that aquifers are our hydrologic backstop and should be preserved in times of drought. |
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For NFL, L.A. Considers Trading the Environment For Jobs (10-24-09)
NPR – The California Legislature and Governor allowed Majestic Realty to sidestep the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and ignore legal challenges currently in process, by allowing the developer to build a massive football stadium in the City of Industry. PCL’s Tina Andolina comments that next year the Legislature will see high paid lobbyists advocating for their particular developments to receive CEQA exemptions also. |
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Schwarzenegger and Legislature Allow Developer to Build Massive Stadium (10-23-09)
California Progress Report – PCL’s Traci Sheehan writes about the Governor and Legislature signing a bill allowing Majestic Realty to build a 75,000 square foot stadium in the City of Industry and side step both a lawsuit and the California Environmental Quality Act. She emphasizes that developers must not be allowed to buy their way out of completing environmental review. |
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The Buzz: L.A. Stadium’s Environmental Exemption Booed From Left to Right (10-23-09)
Sacramento Bee – Governor Schwarzenegger and the California Legislature approved legislation allowing Majestic Realty to build a football stadium at the 57/60 interchange in the City of Industry. Senator Dave Cox commented that the bill ignored all the protections in place for citizen’s to have due process. The League sees it as a weakening of environmental laws. |
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Of Farms, Folks and Fish (10-22-09)
The Economist – Recent federal decisions have mandated reduced water pumping from the imperiled Bay Delta. Though the decision has impacted water users, PCL’s Jonas Minton stresses that it is the system that has over pledged the water resources. |
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SF Mayor Newsom Dives into Water Negotiations (10-22-09)
Capitol Weekly – Mayor Newsom is now directly involved in the negotiations underway for a water package and has aligned himself with major environmental groups. San Francisco gets its waters well above the contested Delta, via the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and Newsom wants the Bay Area to continue getting the same amount of water. PCL’s Charlotte Hodde commented Newsome’s effort to protect their unusual water rights is normal. |
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Cal Am Told to Limit Pumping From Carmel River (10-21-09)
Monterey Herald - Orders were made to have Cal Am cut back its water pumping and therefore local water users must conserve water. PCL’s Jonas Minton comments that the pressure for conservation must continue so that Cal Am develops a new water source for the Peninsula. |
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While Water Flows into the Streets of LA, Will There Be a Deal in Sacramento (10-21-09)
Southern California Public Radio (KPPC) – The State Legislature is trying to work through a water package that will have significant environmental impacts on the Bay Delta. PCL’s Jonas Minton recounts concerns about a water “deal” behind closed doors especially since there is no real description of where the funding comes from and who actually pays for it. |
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Enviro Community Already Split Over Water Bond (10-15-09)
Capitol Weekly – The Legislature is moving closer to a deal on the state water package, support for which is split among the environmental community. PCL’s Charlotte Hodde remarked that the bill is moving towards being a loss for the environment, while others believe it improves governance of the imperiled Delta. |
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Five Wiggins Bills Among Those Signed by Governor Last Weekend (10-12-09)
Lake County News – Of the five Wiggins bills signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, one was supported by the Planning and Conservation League. SB 215 requires Local Agency Formation Commissions to consider “sustainable community strategies” before making decisions on adjusting city boundaries |
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Annual Award Winners Announced (10-12-09)
PCL and the PCL Foundation announced the environmental heroes of 2009 including Assemblymember Pedro Nava, Bill Yeates, Mother Lode Chapter of the Sierra Club, Debbie Davis, Martha Davis and Small Business California. Awards will be presented during the 2010 Symposium’s luncheon. |
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Judge Lets Calif. High Speed Rail Planning Proceed (10-08-09)
CBS Channel 5 – A Sacramento County Judge decided to allow route planning to continue between the Central Valley and the Bay Area even though the Cities of Atherton and Menlo Park have requested review of an alternate route through the Altamont Pass. The League has been advocating for a more environmentally sensitive route through the Altamont Pass. |
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Mixed Signals from Washington on Fate of Bay-Delta (10-04-09)
California Progress Report – The Obama Administration created a Federal Bay Delta Leadership Committee with six federal agencies signing the MOU, even though the California Legislature is considering a water package and bond during a special session. The Committee will develop a federal plan of action that will hopefully ensure the success of efforts to restore the collapsing ecosystem of the Delta |
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Objections to NFL Stadium Rise As Possible Vote Nears (10-03-09)
San Gabriel Valley Tribune – Majestic Realty has requested exemption from CEQA on its proposed NFL Stadium in the City of Industry, but local residents in Walnut have sued. At the request of Senator Steinberg, to negotiate a settlement or have the Legislature vote on the bill – the two parties are at a standstill. PCL opposes the bill as it sets a terrible precedent for future developers to use money and political muscle to gain reprieve from environmental laws. |
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Tejon Ranch Conservation Agreement Wins Governor’s Award (10-01-09)
In recognition of the historic conservation pact signed by Tejon Ranch Company and America’s leading conservation and environmental organizations, Governor Schwarzenegger honored the Company and organizations with California's highest and most prestigious environmental honor. |
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Tejon Ranch Conservation Agreement Receives Award (09-25-09)
Mountain Enterprise – Governor Schwarzenegger honored the Tejon Ranch Company and environmental organizations, including PCL, for their historic conservation agreement that preserved 90% of the Ranch’s land. This recognition is California's highest and most prestigious environmental honor. |
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Green Spotlight on Sierra Club 2009 National Award Winners (09-25-09)
Green Living Examiner - During its annual awards dinner in San Francisco, the Sierra Club honored the Tejon Ranch Taskforce for its partnership with PCL, Audubon, Endangered Habitats League and Natural Resources Defense Council to preserve 240,000 acres of the biologically diverse Tejon Ranch. |
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PCL Receives Award (09-2009)
Sierra Nevada Alliance selected PCL as the recipient of the Dean Malley Sun Tzu Award to recognize its outstanding leadership and hard work addressing the stop work state bond freeze. “PCL’s leadership uniting groups, coordinating efforts, sharing up to date information, creating strategies, and implementing projects to help groups restart work around the state was exemplary,” says Joan Clayburgh, Executive Director of the Alliance. |
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Daring to Get it Right: Legislature Says No to Dangerous Last Minute Water Policy Proposal (09-20-09)
California Progress Report – PCL’s Traci Sheehan writes about the League’s involvement in slowing down the rush water package that would fundamentally rewrite California’s water future. The League and others advocated for an improved public process and more time to think through such a big package. A special session on the water bonds is expected. |
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Schwarzenegger
Still Won’t Commit to Special Session
on Water (09-17-09)
Capitol Weekly – For years legislators have been trying
to solve the state’s flawed and stressed water delivery
system and simply ran out of time to pass the water package
by the end of session on September 11th. The Governor is still
debating whether to call a special session on water. PCL and
Sierra Club remain opposed to the plan. |
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Residents
Share High Speed Rail Ideas – Civilly (09-13-09)
Palo Alto Online – Representatives from the California High Speed Rail
Authority shared information and solicited input from residents on the rail system.
The project has divided communities in the area, but the all day teach-in was
productive. PCL’s Special Counsel Gary Patton stated that government projects
work best with public involvement. |
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Defeat
of Water Package Shows Power of Grassroots (09-13-09)
IndyBay – Grassroots groups were victorious in defeating a water policy
bill and $11.8 billion water bond that would have built a peripheral canal and
more dams on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Planning and Conservation
League and others recognize this is just one small victory in the overall picture,
as the bill proponents plan to bring the bill back during a special session. |
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Steinberg’s
Water Bill Package Defeated (09-12-09)
IndyBay – Senator Steinberg and others abandoned their attempt to pass
a water policy bill and $11.8 billion water bond that would have created a peripheral
canal on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. After learning of significant changes
in the bill originally authored by Senator Wolk, she withdrew her authorship.
It took an enormous grassroots effort to defeat by the bill by PCL and other
conservation groups. |
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Stadium
Legislation Gets Shelved (09-12-09)
San Diego Union Tribune – A proposal to build a new stadium in the City
of Industry (eastern Los Angeles County) and avoid CEQA requirements was pulled
by Senator Darrell Steinberg to allow time for mediation between project opponents
that have already filed lawsuits. The Los Angles County Board of Supervisors,
along with PCL, strongly opposed the legislation. |
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Water
Management Plan Stalls in Legislature (09-11-09)
Contra Costa Times - A proposed water package, including a nearly $12 billion
water bond, didn’t appear to have the votes need to pass. PCL and other
grassroots groups strongly opposed the bill, which will likely be considered
by the Legislature during a special session. |
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Fixing the Delta Comes with a Huge Price Tag (08-25-09)
Contra Costa Times – Steven Kasower put a price tag to the costs of potential fixes to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta – a staggering $23 to $54 billion. Kasower warns the numbers are preliminary and before the Legislature passes the Water Package they should await final numbers. PCL’s Jonas Minton relays his concern that while the state is cutting funding for education, health care and public safety, Legislators are considering a multi-billion dollar package with no analysis of its cost. |
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Small Flotilla Protests “Peripheral Canal” (08-24-09)
Martinez News Gazette – Concerned with the lack of input on the Delta Water Package, Delta supporters gathered by boat with the Planning and Conservation League, Restore the Delta and others to express the need for public input on the legislative package. One of the concerns about building the peripheral canal includes the intrusion of Pacific Ocean water in the Delta. This salt water would destroy the fresh water used to irrigate 800,000 acres of farmland in the region. |
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Real Drought Relief: State Gives Green Light to Grey Water (08-23-09)
California Progress Report - Responding to the increasing pressures on our state's water supplies, last month the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) approved new standards that facilitate the use of graywater in homes and voted to make the standards effective on August 4th, 2009 rather than waiting until 2011. The new standards will make it much easier to reuse water from bathtubs, showers, sinks, and washing machines for outdoor irrigation while protecting local water quality and public health. |
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Coalition Unveils California Water Solutions Report at Million Boat Float (08-17-09)
North Coast – As part of the final activities of the Million Boat Float, 23 organizations unveiled a groundbreaking report “California Water Solutions Now.” Based on multiple scientific and engineering studies, the Report demonstrates how sustainable water management, including groundwater cleanup, water recycling, local storm water capture and cost-effective water conservation can provide the water needed to serve California’s projected population, economy and environment through 2050. |
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Million Boat Float Will Arrive Before Delta Hearing (08-12-09)
Sacramento For Democracy – In an effort to show an alliance of support for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta will converge on Sacramento in the first ever Million Boat Float. PCL is helping to organize this event. This event is immediately before the Legislature hears a water package that allows the Governor and Legislators to build the peripheral canal and destroy the largest estuary on the West Coast of theAmericas. |
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Delta Community and Environmental Groups Respond to Delta Legislative Water Package (08-06-09)
California Progress Report – Recent bills released by the legislature are of concern to groups like Restore the Delta and PCL. This package, if passed, would result in an enormous restructuring of the state’s water laws and infrastructure. PCL’s Jonas Minton responded that he is happy to see some of the language, but continues to have concerns about the process. |
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PCL’s Charlotte Hodde on CPR (08-05-09)
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta faces serious challenges and some solutions have been proposed. While interviewed PCL’s Charlotte Hodde said the League’s focus is on the process, public review and the science of the proposals. |
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California Must Invest
in Climate Adaptation (08-03-09)
California’s Climate Adaptation Strategy must have funding to implement
the necessary changes to protect our natural environment and our communities. |
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PCL’s Matt Vander Sluis on KPFA (08-03-09)
According to the State’s recent climate Adaptation Strategy Report, the effects of climate change are already showing. PCL’s Matt Vander Sluis states this comprehensive strategy is important but that minimizing the harm of global warming won’t be cheap. The key now is putting funding into the adaptation strategies.
Go to minute 27 |
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Panned
Out: Legislature Passes Bill to Halt Suction Dredging Gold
Mining (07-30-09)
News Review – In a vote of 28 to 7, Senator Pat Wiggins’ legislation to ban suction dredging gold mining passed in the Legislature. The bill bans the dredging which pollutes the water and is highly destructive to fish spawning grounds. PCL, American Indian tribes, recreational and commercial fisherman supported this legislation. |
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Budget Deal Spares Most Parks, Retains Offshore Drilling Plan (07-21-09)
E&E Publishing - The California Legislature is expected to vote on a bill that would authorize new offshore oil drilling – something not allowed since 1969. Allowing the drilling by Texas-based PXP would generate $100 million up front, but with significant environmental costs. PCL’s Tina Andolina states we are giving the oil companies are sweetheart deal. |
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Peripheral Canal, Crux of State Water Wars, Draws Fire (07-09-09)
Capitol Weekly – Activists rallied at the Capitol and listened to Senator Lois Wolk, Lt. Governor John Garamendi, Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan discuss the importance of open dialogues about the Bay Delta’s future. PCL’s Charlotte Hodde spoke at the rally about the enormous costs the proposed peripheral canal would bring – significant costs at a time we are already cutting public services and education. |
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Delta Advocates Rally Against the Canal at the Capitol (07-08-09)
IndyBay – Over 250 advocates stood at the steps of the Capitol to demonstrate their opposition to new bills that would add a peripheral canal and two dams to the Bay Delta. PCL’s Charlotte Hodde spoke at the rally about maintaining an open process where the public can provide input. Teams were assembled after the rally to lobby decision makers about keeping the Delta discussion open and transparent. |
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Delta
Gates Proposal Builds Support, But Environmental Impact
Remains Murky (07-06-09)
Sacramento Bee – The Delta Vision Task Force recommended to Governor Schwarzenegger
to build two gates that may prevent the endangered Delta smelt from being sucked
into water pumps. PCL’s Jonas Minton says of the potential project that
it might provide incremental improvement for the fish, but the League plans to
watch the outcome very closely to quickly change or terminate the project based
on its impact. |
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Water Resources: Take a Good Look at Costly Water Bills – the Ones in Sacramento (07-05-09)
San Francisco Chronicle – Several secret bills are set to emerge this week on contentious water issues including governance of the Bay Delta. PCL’s Traci Sheehan explains that we need to be honest about how much water is actually available first and then take the time to do it right allowing both Legislators and the public time to review and comments on the proposals. |
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State Budget Crisis Scuttles Delta Levee Hazard Detection, Repairs (07-03-09)
Sacramento Bee – The state’s budget crisis has stopped repairs to the Delta’s levee system, which convey water for millions of Californians and protect farmland. PCL’s Jonas Minton states that we can’t overlook the repairs that are needed right now. |
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Senate Approves Wiggins Bill to Enact Temporary Ban on Suction Dredge Mining (05-31-09)
Lake County News - The Senate approved SB 670 which puts a temporary halt on the permits granted by Department of Fish and Game. The bill puts a moratorium on suction dredging permits in rivers and streams that provide critical habitat for spawning salmon and steelhead trout. This type of mining is highly destructive to spawning grounds for fish. PCL is one of many supporters on this legislation. |
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High Speed Rail Draws Crowd to Atherton (05-31-09)
Almanac News – Around 150 concerned residents attended the panel of experts to learn about the High Speed Rail proposal. The residents are very interested in learning about the impacts of a high speed rail line in their community. Former PCL Executive Director commented that we need to it right and changing the route is still a possibility. |
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Bill Banning Suction Dredge Mining Breezes Through State Senate (05-27-09)
YubaNet - The Senate approved SB 670 which puts a temporary halt on the permits granted by Department of Fish and Game. The bill puts a moratorium on suction dredging permits in rivers and streams that provide critical habitat for spawning salmon and steelhead trout. Along with a broad coalition from Indian tribes to fisherman, PCL supports this legislation. |
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Atherton Community Meeting Focuses on High Speed Rail (05-27-09)
Almanac News – Community members have serious concerns about the route through Atherton of the High Speed Rail line. Presenters include former PCL Executive Director Gary Patton and consultants for the California High Speed Rail Authority. |
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SB 670 (Suction Dredging Moratorium) Passes Senate Floor (05-26-09)
YubaNet - The Senate approved SB 670 and now the bill moves to the Assembly Park’s and Wildlife Committee. The bill puts a moratorium on suction dredging permits in rivers and streams that provide critical habitat for spawning salmon and steelhead trout. Cal Trout, the Sierra Nevada Alliance and PCL support this legislation. |
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Poseidon Plant Gets Closer to Tapping into Seawater (05-25-09)
San Diego Business Journal – The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board voted unanimously in early May to allow Poseidon to build a desalination plant in San Diego County. Though unsuccessful in recent legal challenges Surfrider and the Planning and Conservation League continue to pursue legal action. |
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An Unnatural
Disaster? PCL Questions Exemption of Environmental Review
for Major Water Merger (05-17-09)
Aquafornia – Citing emergency conditions the Department
of Water Resources has submitted a Notice of Exemption to review
their proposal to merge California’s two largest water
projects. The Planning and Conservation League questioned their
authority to do this and asked the State Water Resources Control
Board to consider all the facts before approving the proposal. |
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San Diego Water Board OKs Huge Desalination Plant (05-13-09)
San Diego Tribune - The proposed Poseidon desalination plant in San Diego received a key approval from the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. The plant proposes to provide 50 million gallons of drinking water a day from ocean water. However, Surfrider and PCL filed suit due to the environmental impacts, specifically marine kills that occur in the intake valves, and lost earlier in the week. |
Read the Article >> |
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Challenge to Desalination Plant Denied (05-13-09)
San Diego Tribune - A San Diego Superior Court Judge ruled against the lawsuit brought against the Coastal Commission by Surfrider Foundation and PCL. Arguments for a better location and decreasing the marine kills from the intake valves were made. |
Read the Article >> |
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Poseidon’s Plant Gets Good News and Bad (05-13-09)
Aquafornia - A judge ruled against the Surfrider Foundation and PCL’s lawsuit against the Coastal Commission. The plaintiffs argued that the Commission failed to require Poseidon to reduce the marine kill from the plant’s intake valves. The Commission’s Executive Director now wants to reconsider the permit it issued to Poseidon. |
Read the Blog >> |
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Judge Rules Desalination Plant Decision was Appropriate (05-12-09)
San Diego Tribune - Surfrider Foundation and PCL filed suit against the California Coastal Commission regarding its decision on the Poseidon Desalination plant. A Superior Court Judge in San Diego ruled against the suit, stating that the proposed desalination plant did not violate state water code. |
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In
California, Desalination of Seawater as Test Case (05-12-09)
ClimateArk – The approval of the Poseidon desalination
plant in San Diego may prove as a test case for plants. Other
locations being considered for desalination plants include
Huntington Beach, Marin County, Monterey, and Long Beach. Surfrider
and PCL will appeal the San Diego Regional Water Quality Board’s
decision to allow this project. |
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Economic, Environmental Hurdles Block Critical California Water Transfers (05-12-09)
McClatchy - The state’s paper plan to move water to thirsty cities and fields south of the Bay Delta may have caused unanticipated problems. Jonas Minton relays that the state didn’t do its homework when it came to moving large amounts of water. |
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Badly
Needed California Water Transfers Blocked by Economic,
Environmental Hurdles (05-12-09)
Sacramento Bee – Water issues facing farmers, specifically those that grow rice, have really hit home in the last few months. Environmental concerns in the Bay Delta have changed not only when the water can be pumped but it has also changed the market. PCL’s Jonas Minton comments that more homework should have been done by the state. |
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Our View: Water Saving Bills Worth Supporting (05-09-09)
Merced Sun Star – With California in the third year of another drought the time has come to work on water conservation measures at the statewide level. The California Building Industry Association has legislation out on water conservation measures (AB 300). So does, the East Bay Municipal Water District and PCL (AB 1408). Of the two bills, AB 1408 is stronger in ensuring those conservation measures continue on after the property is sold. |
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Water-Saving Bills Worth Backing (05-09-09)
Aquafornia – Two water-saving bills are working their way through the Legislature. The first is sponsored by the California Building Industry Association (AB 300 – Caballero) and the second by East Bay Municipal Water District and PCL (AB 1408 – Krekorian). Both encourage developments to incorporate water conservation measures. |
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Are Policy Makers Exacerbating Drought Scares? That is What it Will Look Like in California (05-08-09)
Scoopflash - Nineteen million Southern Californians were just told they had mandatory cutbacks. Farmer workers in the San Joaquin Valley protested water cuts there. Some believe it is the state’s growing population causing the problem. PCL’s Mindy McIntyre comments about the mismanagement of water and dry conditions that have contributed to this water emergency. |
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REGION: Bills Target Conservation (05-05-09)
North County Times – Future homes in California could use less water and prevent runoff from going to the ocean. PCL sponsored AB 1408 (Krekorian) and the Building Industry Association sponsored AB 300, both bills focus on water conservation, but AB 1408 is stricter than AB 300. |
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Senate Passes Wiggins Bill Incorporating Sustainable Strategies into LAFCO Boundary Decisions (04-26-09)
Lake County News – The California Senate approved SB 215 which will improve decisions about land development by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). PCL supports SB 215 and if passed in the Assembly, this bill will require Agencies to consider regional transportation plans before they consider a vote. |
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Latinos March Across Valley to Bring Back Water (04-14-09)
Merced Sun Star - Thousands of farmer works, college students, farmers and others are expected to begin a march from Mendota to Los Banos to bring attention to the water issues of the west Valley. PCL’s Mindy McIntyre notes that the west side is completely dependent on an unsustainable and unreliable water supply and should focus its efforts on diversifying its economic base. |
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Judge Rejects Arguments Against Desalination Plant (04-09-09)
San Diego Tribune - PCL and Surfrider Foundation believe the California Coastal Commission should not have allowed Poseidon Resources to receive a coastal development permit for its Carlsbad Desalination Plant, mainly because the plant would not be required to reduce the amount of fish and marine animal kills that would occur during the desalination process. Judge Hayes of San Diego’s Superior Court disagreed and issued a tentative ruling against PCL and Surfrider. |
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ReSeed California Effort Underway (04-01-09)
PCL and others are working to get conservation projects underway in California. Through the ReSeed California effort regional calls are being coordinated throughout the state to move projects forward through bundling. Learn more at about the bond freeze impacts on the PCL Foundation website. |
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Salmon Fishing Ban to Continue Off California, Oregon (03-27-09)
IndyBay - Fisherman are facing another closure in ocean waters this year because of the falling Central Valley Fall chinook salmon population. PCL’s Mindy McIntyre comments that improved and innovative water management can help the salmon situation. |
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CA State Bill Seeks Disclosure from Bottled Water Companies (03-25-09)
PlanetSave – PCL has endorsed AB 201 (sponsored by Food and Water Watch), which would require that all bottling companies disclose to the public the quantity of water they extract, the source of the water, and whether the source is public or privately owned. |
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First the Stock Market, Now Water (03-12-09)
PCL’s Jonas Minton writes about how our Western water policies mirror the financial policies that have severely impacted our economic crisis. The over allocation of our water and exponential growth in communities in California, Nevada and Arizona are placing significant burdens on our decreasing water supply. |
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California Panel Urges ‘Immediate Action’ to Protect Against Rising Sea Levels
(03-12-09)
Los Angeles Times - Computer models relay the grim news that the hundreds of the thousands of people and billions of dollars spent on state-wide infrastructure and property will be at significant risk if the sea level rises by 55 inches by 2100. PCL’s Matt Vander Sluis comments that California needs to be forward thinking. |
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The March for Water (03-09-09)
Miguel Luna, recipient of the inaugural Dorothy Green Water Advocate Award from PCL, was featured for his work to protect Los Angeles watersheds. |
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Read the posting >> |
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Tejon Ranch Conservancy Announces First Executive Director (03-09-09)
Formed after the landmark Conservation and Land Use Agreement that PCL signed in May 2008, the Tejon Ranch Conservancy announced its new Executive Director Tom Maloney. Maloney has extensive experience in conservation work, most recently with The Nature Conservancy. |
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Read the Press Release >> |
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Environmental and Fishing Communities Speak Out on Salmon Crisis (03-09-09)
California’s anadromous salmon and steelhead fisheries face serious challenges. PCL’s Mindy McIntyre notes that improvements in California’s water management and aggressive development of locally based water supplies are an important way to alleviate pressure on our imperiled salmon. |
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Read the Press Statement>> |
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Bill Deadline Brings New Proposed Environmental Legislation (03-07-09)
California Progress Report - PCL’s Traci Sheehan outlines the legislation introduced or co-sponsored by the League for the 2009 legislative session. These bills include programs for recycled water, developments that include water conservation measures, CEQA reform, and getting unincorporated communities the services they need. |
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How Dry It Is – and May Continue to Be (02-27-09)
Sacramento Bee Editorial - The Department of Water Resources has urged residents to cut water use by 20% and yes officials seem to fell this is a temporary drought. The editorial focuses on a “new normal,” which PCL has advocated for, that addresses how California conserves its water, improves its water efficiency and water recycling. |
Read the Editorial >> |
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Water Surprise No Surprise in South (02-27-09)
The Capitol Press – Twenty-two water and irrigation districts, including Westlands, will no longer receive water through the Central Valley Project. This decision, due to the drought and environmental impacts to the Delta, was no surprise, but will significantly impact farmers in the Central Valley. |
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Can California Avoid a Drought? (02-23-09)
Your Call - The California Department of Water Resources recently stated California is faced with the worst drought since at least the early 1990s. PCL’s Mindy McIntyre is interviewed about the “new normal” California is facing with decreased waters supplies and what it means for all of us. |
Click to Listen>> |
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California Budget Plan Would Weaken Air Pollution Rules (02-19-09)
The California budget contains a major provision that delays requirements for builders to retrofit construction equipment. In short, it would slash 17% of emissions savings that public health advocates were hoping to achieve by 2014. |
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Flawed Budget Passed, Flawed Process Even More Evident (02-19-09)
After the longest session in California Senate history (45.5 hours), the Senate finally managed to pass the budget package it had been debating since Saturday night. The proposal contained a mix of deep cuts and new revenue and included significant rollbacks to public health and environmental protections long sought by a small group of conservative lawmakers. |
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Gary Patton Receives Award for Landmark Conservation Agreement (02-17-09)
Representing the Planning and Conservation League, Gary Patton received the 2009 CLAY Award from the daily journal, California Lawyer. He and eight other attorneys were recognized for their significant contributions in the landmark Land Use and Conservation Agreement signed to protect 240,000 acres of the historic Tejon Ranch. |
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Budget Deal would Gut Diesel Regs, Retain GHG Reviews (02-13-09)
Greenwire – With a vote on the State Budget looming, PCL’s Tina Andolina recounts how the environment has steered clear of most climate change “rollbacks” proposed by Republicans. |
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Sustainability Symposium Draws Crowd of Over 300 (02-08-09)
The event was a tremendous success and the program was full of up-to-the-minute information on important news issues, including the state budget freeze, the federal recovery package, the current water crisis and California wildland fires. |
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PCL and PCLF Announce Environmental Event (02-06-09)
February 7, 2009 marks the date of the next Planning and Conservation League (PCL) and PCL Foundation Symposium. The event will have policy panels, MCLE sessions, How To workshops and inspiring keynotes focused on “Steps to a Sustainable Future: Building Momentum for Real Change.” |
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‘No Holds Barred’ in California Climate Negotiations? (01-30-09)
New York Times – This article describes how air regulators and commerce officials are in a face off over policies. PCL’s Tina Andolina comments on how those with the lack of expertise on air quality concepts will be deciding if and how global warming measures should or shouldn’t take effect. |
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Green Stimulus Package Will Boost California’s Economy, Green Groups Say
(01-14-09)
Six leading environmental organizations say Californians will benefit from a new plan to create new green jobs, invest in our state’s clean energy future, and fix the budget through a green stimulus plan unveiled by state legislative leadership today. PCL’s Tina Andolina says green stimulus can provide more and better jobs, faster. |
View the press release >> |
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CEQA Attacked Due to Slumping Economy (01-08-09)
EE News - Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed the proposed budget because it did not grant him the powers to waive environmental review, normally required under CEQA. PCL’s Tina Andolina states he is holding the budget hostage and throwing a bone to businesses and the GOP. |
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Don’t Pave the Environment to Pump the Economy (01-07-09)
PCL and other environmental organizations urged Governor Schwarzenegger to uphold critical environmental laws as transportation projects move forward. |
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2008 Press Releases
2008 Press Releases Here >> |
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2007 Press Releases
2007 Press Releases Here >> |
