No Multi-Tasking on this Webinar!
When Felicia Marcus and Pat Mulroy are talking about western water you want to pay attention. Last week’s webinar, hosted by the Urban Water Institute, “A Discussion With…” was full of pointed observations and some very quotable quotes.
The overarching message coming from both Felicia and Pat: “Climate change should be the clarion call for us to figure out how to work together.”
On the webinar recording you’ll hear Felicia and Pat comparing the progress being made in the Colorado Basin versus the progress (or lack thereof) on the Bay Delta. Pat noted, “In the Colorado Basin, there’s nowhere to hide. We have to work together.” Felicia pointed out that in California, when there’s a change in Administration, issues get re-examined, and new relationships have to be built. “We all tend talk past one another.”
On water rights – Pat: “No one is saying that you have to give up your water rights – it’s just that climate change lowers their value. And if Mead goes to dead pool, no one’s water rights are going to matter much.” Felicia followed with “Water rights are a nice thing to believe in. And, if we have a 10-year drought in California, all bets are off.”
On the Salton Sea – Pat: “The Basin leaders know we have to address the Salton Sea – there is no other choice. We don’t need more heroes and villains – something has to give.”
Comments that stood out for me: Pat talking about how the tech companies (ala Google, Tesla, et al.) are our natural allies. Felicia: talking again about the Bay Delta – “it’s really about ego-management.” (That last also applies to most western water conundrums – Ed.)
A question I’m mulling over comes from a comment from Pat made on how so many collaborations have grown out of litigation. When does (more) litigation simply put everyone in their respective corners, and when does litigation lead to all parties saying ‘ok, let’s do something that might work a lot better.’ (See above: “Climate change should be the clarion call for us to figure out how to work together.”)
Kimery Wiltshire
Confluence West
August 25, 2020