ACWA e-News for August 4, 2010

The State Water Resources Control Board yesterday adopted criteria identifying how much water should ideally flow through the Delta to ensure a healthy ecosystem.

ACWA’s Board of Directors has adopted policy principles calling on state and federal agencies to take a comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach to implementing the Endangered Species Acts.

In a swift reversal, the California Public Utilities Commission last week reinstated solar incentives for public water agencies and other local governments through the California Solar Initiative.

The move, coming less than 30 days after the commission issued a temporary hold on processing applications for incentives, means that ACWA members can once again pursue solar projects with the incentives intact.

ACWA-opposed legislation on water transfers failed to clear the Senate Appropriations Committee on a 5-5 vote on Monday, marking the third time the language has been rejected this year.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today appointed Felicia Marcus, 54, to the Delta Stewardship Council. She currently serves as western director of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

If confirmed, the Emeryville resident will replace Richard Roos-Collins, who withdrew his name from consideration by a Senate committee July 2 after concerns were raised regarding his ability to remain impartial on a plan to restore the Delta.

A paper prepared for the California Public Utilities Commission recommends instituting a public goods charge for water to finance projects to meet the state's targets for both water conservation and greenhouse gas reduction.

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D- Nev.) released a draft Energy Bill to potentially be considered by the Senate before it adjourns for the August recess.  Rather than consider an energy bill that that includes a cap and trade system for green house gas emissions, Reid proposed a bill that addresses issues related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, provides incentives to homeowners to purchase energy efficient products, and incorporates a variety of other smaller programs such as incentives for the development of electric and natural gas vehicles.

The Senate Homeland Security Committee considered the House passed chemical security bill, HR 2868, including new requirements for water and wastewater facilities at a markup on July 28. 

Californians identify water supply as one of the most important environment issues facing the state, second only to air pollution, according to the latest statewide survey by the Public Policy Institute of California.