OPINION: Risch, Crapo, Simpson — Stop federal usurpation of state water rights
Without prior warning to state water managers in California’s Tulare County, federal officials suddenly dumped a torrent of water from two lakes in the state’s Central Valley. The deluge almost caused flooding on its way to the ocean, where it served absolutely no useful purpose. Farmers were incensed that they would not have the precious water for this year’s growing season. The water community was left scratching its head.
A spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sheepishly explained that the water release was required by a Jan. 24 Trump Executive Order, issued to override California water policies. The spokesman said the release was made “to ensure California has water available to respond to the wildfires” in Los Angeles. Anyone slightly familiar with how water flows would know that there was no way the water could have reached L.A. That did not stop Trump from claiming victory over the L.A. fires.
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