(With expanded coverage of all the Western States)
by Patrick Ruckert
www.californiadroughtupdate.org/20230720-California-Water-and-Infrastructure-Report.pdf
A Note to Readers
This week’s report has a variety of topics not usually covered. And I will skip the Feature this week to do so.
We begin with the U.S. Drought Monitor. Just the California map is provided, but a summary of drought conditions in other parts of the country is included.
Next, under the title,”Is the Present Heat Wave the Worst Ever and Related Topics,” I am sure we will see some reactions. Here is the introduction to that section that I begin with:
“Maybe or maybe not. In 1936, North America experienced the worst heat wave ever, setting records that still stand. While climate change has always been the history of our planet, the present hysteria, which attempts to portray almost all weather events to man-caused global warming, is rightfully contested by many scientists.
“The next article, well-documented, should at least bring a little rational discussion back in focus. I suggest for those having doubts, or would like some evidence for doubts they already have, go to the link for the full article.
“A third article provides the financial and ‘climate damage’ the western droughts have caused due to less hydro-power being produced and greater reliance on gas and coal fired electricity generation.”
I usually do not post statements from candidates on this page, but this one from President Trump is a good contrast to the above topic: “On the Other Side, President Trump Takes on the Green New Deal Insanity Directly in a New Post on His Agenda47 website.”
Fire Season has finally arrived in California, and one article summarizes it. A second article takes on the U.S. Forest Service policy of mismanagement of fire fighting policy.
This report has covered for weeks the legislatures attempt to change the law on water rights, while farmers fight the change. The article featured this week is titled, “California Democrats move forward bill to chip away historic water rights.”
Desalination is next, and here is my title for the article: “When a Massive and Rapidly Built System of Multiple Desalination Plants is Required, the California Water Resources Control Board Offers Crumbs.”
On the Colorado River, while we still do not know what the Bureau of Reclamation will do, and water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell have risen due to an abundant snowpack, arguments and fights continue among everyone on who will have to give up their water, if not this year, then in the years to come.
