Governor drought decree is shortsighted, doesn't address state climate change, and is a 'boondoggle' for rich, says Green eco-analyst

GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA NEWS RELEASE

SACRAMENTO, Ca. (June 5, 2008) - Gov. Schwarzenegger's "drought decree" declared Wednesday is shortsighted, doesn't address the climate change California is now experiencing and is a boondoggle that will benefit large corporations, said a Green Party environmental policy analyst today.

"Our Governor has been very good at recognizing the ecological problems facing all of California and totally lacking in imagination as to the ramifications of his solutions, which always support the politically expedient rather than having a sound ecological basis," said Wes Rolley, co-chair of the Green Party National Eco-Action Committee.

Rolley said "Schwarzenegger's solution for reducing greenhouse gases is a carbon trading system that has not been effective. His Delta Vision Project sounded good on paper (but) the result was a plan to satisfies no one other than the agricultural water districts and big city water wholesalers, who were a major presence on the task force."

"It would appear that Schwarzenegger's plan now is to increase water transfers to industrial agriculture and metropolitan areas in the desert without regard for the long term consequences of his actions. If you happen to think that $30 / lb. salmon is great and the forking out welfare to the commercial fishing fleet is good policy, then Schwarzenegger is making sure that this continues," said Rolley.

In short, Rolley said Californians have to face the fact that their climate has changed.

"We have experienced two years of below normal rainfall. We need to be acting as if these part two years are, at best, the new normal, or may even represent above normal rainfall," Rolley said. "We need to make water conservation a habit of life, beginning now."

He suggested that consumers should have a "high expectation" of higher water rates, and should act accordingly, noting that not only should people plant less lawn, and more drought- resistant foliage, but agriculture - the lifeblood of California's economy - will need to change with the climate if it wants to "remain economically competitive."

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See also: interview (Susan) on KPFA (press clippings)

Contacts:
Susan King, Spokesperson, 415.823.5524,
Dr. Bob Vizzard, Spokesperson, 916.206.8953,
Daniel Brezenoff, Spokesperson, 310.422.2211,
Cres Vellucci, Press Secretary, 916.996.9170,

The Green Party of California
PO Box 2828
Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: (916) 448-3437
Web: http://www.cagreens.org
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Last updated: 06/30/2008 (BH)