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Water agencies, like the public in general, support the purposes of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and other federal and state environmental statutes and regulations. ACWA’s Blueprint recommends that the ESA and other regulations be modernized to achieve their intended environmental goals while allowing water infrastructure projects, water supply and water quality activities to proceed.
Background
Enacted in 1973, the ESA provides for the listing and protection of species that are currently endangered or threatened with extinction. In California, where more than 280 species are listed as endangered or threatened and dozens more are considered candidates for listing, the ESA has become a force in decisions affecting everything from water project operations to urban development, logging and more.
ACWA’s Recommendations
ACWA recommends the following actions to modernize the ESA to achieve its intended goals while reducing its burden on the regulated public:
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Require critical habitat designations to include more robust and peer reviewed science, greater precision in the geographic scope of habitat designations, better economic impact assessments and a transparent balancing process for determining which lands should be excluded.
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Emphasize species recovery and delisting as the ultimate goal of the ESA, based on properly funded, vigorous, collaborative recovery plans, measurable recovery objectives, and a timeline for subsequent recovery review and delisting decisions.
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Clarify and codify “no surprises” regulations to provide certainty that “a deal is a deal” when it comes to habitat requirements in approved habitat conservation plans.
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In addition, ACWA believes there are other environmental objectives that can be achieved more effectively by streamlining and modernizing aspects of the federal Clean Water Act regarding wetlands protections and managing non-point pollutant discharges on a watershed basis.
Other Blueprint Recommendations
In addition to the ESA-related actions, ACWA recommends that state and federal leaders take a number of other actions to ensure California can meet its future water needs.
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Improve the existing Delta water conveyance system to increase flexibility and enhance water supply, water quality, levee stability and environmental protection in the near term.
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Evaluate long-term threats to the Delta levee and conveyance system and pursue actions to reduce risks to the state’s water supply and the environment.
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Ensure delivery of adequate Colorado River supplies for Southern California and defend California’s rights on the Colorado River.
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Implement and fund the Sacramento Valley Water Management Program.
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Develop additional groundwater and surface water storage, including proposed surface storage projects now under study if they are determined to be feasible.
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Support and fund local efforts to expand recycled water use and implement best management practices for urban and agricultural water use efficiency.
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Improve the quality of California’s drinking water supplies to safeguard public health and enhance water quality for agriculture and the environment.
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Work with local agencies to overcome constraints to developing seawater and brackish groundwater desalination.
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Expedite the approval process for voluntary water transfers.
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Clarify and expand the state’s role in flood control and promote multi-benefit flood control projects.
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Support integrated regional water management plans.
About the Blueprint
ACWA’s Blueprint reflects extensive input from hundreds of public water agencies charged with delivering water to cities, farms and communities throughout the state. In addition to the recommended actions, the Blueprint includes a detailed discussion of pressing regional needs and actions to help address them. For more on the Blueprint, see www.acwa.com.
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