Tuesday, October 13, 2009

California Water Legislation Is a Tough Call


By Daniel Stouffer

Water is a precious commodity and its management is something that we must all take very seriously indeed. While we know that new laws are required, it is not always easy to reach a compromise and California water legislation is a case in hand. Corporate chiefs are looking with interest at what is happening in Sacramento as the issue of water management is squarely at the top of the list as a business seeks sustainability.

Of all the states within the USA, the water management problem is particularly acute within California. Booming population growth and climatic challenges have led to many attempts to pass California water legislation, which could then be viewed as a model for other states. In May 2009, the most ambitious plan ever to reform this issue in the most populous state seemed to flounder, however.

Considerable opposition to legislation was put forward by politicians in Sacramento, especially as it was estimated that it would cost over $12 billion to implement. Although changes were necessary, many pointed to the huge budgetary shortfalls in the state, combined with the adverse effects of the global recession.

As it appears that California water legislation is facing a rocky future, the country as a whole faces even bigger issues regarding overall sustainability, resource usage and energy production. All these factors combine to have a significant effect on climate change in our future and society demands that organizations take full responsibility for their part.

The problem of water management in general is a complex one and is impacted by the interests of consumers, politicians, business, scientists, environmentalists, economists and realists. The California water legislation stalled in part due to objections by the Sierra Club and others surrounding the impact that it would have on the delicate ecosystems of the Sacramento Delta, for example.

California water legislation must be passed in some shape or form, even though there may be significant opposition from some sectors of society. Status quo is not sustainable, especially in a state that has long been seen as a champion of such causes nationwide. Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency often is seen to adopt issues that have first been raised out west.

The issue of water management must be addressed at corporate level and each company must take steps to ensure that it is accurately recording its commodity use as it strives to achieve sustainability. As we move forward, waste of all forms will be much less tolerated by society.

We need to be aware of our water consumption and usage habits, especially in the light of our recent awakening to the significantly adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions will cause global climate change and a net increase in the Earth's average temperatures. This is certain to lead to a change in weather patterns and altered rainfall rates leading to more pressure on water management.

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