Putting People Over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern California

What is the Presidential Action?

The recent presidential memorandum is a directive aimed at reversing previous restrictions that limited water flow from Northern to Southern California. In simple terms, the President has ordered federal agencies to restart and expedite water infrastructure projects, which were initially stopped due to environmental concerns. This action mandates that more water be diverted from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to areas in Southern California that are in dire need of a stable water supply.

Background or Context with Statistics and Source References

The conflict between environmental conservation and resource allocation in California has been longstanding. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta serves as a vital water source but is also home to endangered species like the Delta smelt. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, efforts to protect these species have often led to significant reductions in water available for agricultural and urban use. The California Department of Water Resources suggests that the state endures periodic droughts that exacerbate these conflicts, with the 2012-2016 drought being one of the most severe on record.

Why This Action Was Taken

This presidential action was prompted by a combination of factors:

• Environmental and economic needs: The growing demand for water in Southern California for both agricultural and residential use.
• Recent natural disasters: The increasing occurrence of wildfires in the region, which have been deadly and demand better vegetation management and water resources for firefighting and prevention.
• Legal and political battles: Historical legal challenges from the State of California against federal water management policies, which the current administration seeks to overcome.

Short and Long-term Impact on People

In the short term, increasing water supply to Southern California is expected to aid in firefighting efforts, support agricultural activities, and provide relief to urban areas facing water scarcity. In the long term, this policy aims to ensure a sustained water supply that could lead to economic stability and growth in the region. However, it also raises concerns about the possible negative impacts on the ecosystems of the Delta, which might result in long-term environmental degradation.

Performance/Impact Parameters to Measure Success

To evaluate the success of this directive, the following parameters should be considered:

• Water Availability Increases: Quantitative measures of increased water flow to targeted regions in Southern California.
• Reduction in Water-Related Crises: Metrics related to decreases in drought occurrences and improvements in firefighting resources.
• Economic Impact: Assessments of economic benefits gained through enhanced agricultural production and urban water stability.
• Ecological Health: Monitoring of the health and populations of endangered species and overall ecosystem stability in the Delta.