Senate Democrats want Gov. Jerry Brown to take swifter action to battle California’s drought, such as spending relief funds faster and prodding farmers to use water more efficiently.
The recommendations, sent to the governor in a letter this week, come as lawmakers prepare to work with Brown on a new budget proposal next month and the state braces itself for a dry, hot summer.
The letter shows Democrats are concerned that the Brown administration isn’t doing enough to spend funds, including water bond money approved by voters last year, that could be used on drought-related efforts.
“These funds should be spent much more quickly,” the letter says. “They could be appropriated and out on the street within the next few months – as opposed to years – to provide immediate drought relief.”
Since early last year, the Legislature has approved two pieces of emergency legislation to combat the drought, for a total of $1.7 billion in spending. While the bills include money to send drinking water to parched communities and other relief efforts, most of the funds are for long-term projects that won’t be finished for years.
The letter – which was signed by all 25 Democrats in the state Senate, including Senate leader Kevin de León of Los Angeles – also expresses concerns about the amount of water used by farmers, a political fault line in conversations about the drought.
Legislators OK $1-billion relief measure for future droughts
Legislators OK $1-billion relief measure for future droughts
“Agriculture uses much of the water in the state,” the letter says. “It can – and should – do more during the drought.”
Rather than “regulatory or punitive” measures, the Democrats propose providing incentives for farmers to plant crops that need less water or forgo flood irrigation for more efficient methods.
In addition, the letter urges the state water board to take stronger action to curb wasteful use, and it suggests that Brown appoint a “water czar” to oversee drought-related efforts.
Jim Evans, a spokesman for Brown, said the administration appreciates the input but did not respond to any specific proposals from the lawmakers.
“The drought poses a serious challenge to California and there’s much work to do – so the administration values ideas and proposals from the Legislature, as well as from water districts, farmers, local officials, businesses and environmentalists,” he said in a statement.
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