California issues first-ever water reduction to handle drought
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In the face of a long, fierce drought, California Gov. Jerry Brown has ordered the mandatory reduction of water usage for the first time in state history.
On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Brown had issued an executive order directing the State Water Resources Control Board to decrease the amount of water it supplies businesses and individuals by 25 percent. According to the Times, owners of large farms are exempt from Brown’s order.
“People should realize we are in a new era,” Brown said at a news conference at Phillips, CA. “The idea of your nice little green lawn getting watered every day, those days are past.” The Times noted that watering lawns consumed much of the water used in the Golden State annually. Brown, for his part, pointed out during his press conference that he was standing on a completely dry patch of brown and green grass that would normally have five-to-six feet of snow on it. “We are in a historic drought,” he said.
According to the Times, California officials could use punitive measures to enforce the order. Brown had issued a voluntary reduction in January 2014 aimed at cutting water consumption by 20 percent, but had trouble getting Californians to comply. The state water board has the power to fine local water suppliers that don’t comply with the order.
Brown’s announcement caused another prominent California politician to renew calls for the federal government to get involved. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who serves as House majority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced that he would spearhead efforts to get a long-stalled bill to build two large water tanks in California, back on track. The bill has been blocked by Democrats concerned that the construction of the tanks might harm the environment.
“The current drought in California is devastating,” McCarthy said in a statement. “Today’s order from the governor should not only alarm Californians, but the entire nation should take notice that the most productive agriculture state in the country has entered uncharted territory.”
