Water

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Commissioner Steve Poizner has a water plan that confronts the current crisis and lays the foundation for a secure and stable supply of water for the future. Commissioner Poizner believes that bold and immediate action must be taken to get water to drought-stricken parts of California, to save jobs and revitalize our state’s struggling economy. He also understands that we need a water policy that prepares California for the challenges of this century, and beyond. As Governor, Steve Poizner will stand behind a comprehensive, long-term solution to California’s water problems that is animated by the co-equal goals of a reliable water supply and the long-term sustainability of California’s environment and natural resources.

In This Section

Flexible Application of Endangered Species Act
Invest In Short-Term Infrastructure Projects
Increase Surface and Groundwater Storage
Promote Conservation and Efficiencies

The Poizner Water Plan:

Bold Action To Confront The Current Water Crisis

Commissioner Poizner understands that people throughout our state, but particularly in the Central Valley, are suffering from severe water shortages. To provide immediate relief, Commissioner Poizner advocates the following, short-term solutions to the current water crisis:

Call For The Flexible Application Of The Endangered Species Act During Times Of Drought Emergency. Unfortunately, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is currently being applied in a way that completely ignores both the economic and environmental toll that restrictions on the supply of water are taking on the Central Valley. Commissioner Poizner calls on each of California’s representatives in the U.S. Congress to support legislation to ensure that the ESA does not unduly restrict the supply of water during times of drought emergency.

Utilize The Governor’s Executive Power To Get Water To Where It’s Needed. Commissioner Poizner firmly believes that California’s governor should have the right to respond appropriately to emergencies within the state’s borders. He will explore every legal option—and will take California’s case all the way to the United States Supreme Court if necessary—to ensure that Californians who need water have access to it.

Build the “Two Gates” Project. Commissioner Poizner supports the “Two Gates” project, which has the potential to increase the amount of water that is delivered through pumps at the south end of the Delta, while protecting endangered fish. “Two Gates” is a project that is ready to be constructed and can be completed in as few as six months.

Invest In Other Short-Term Infrastructure Projects. Commissioner Poizner supports additional initiatives that may increase the reliability of California’s water supply while protecting our environment. These projects include species protection initiatives, such as the increased use of virtual barriers, in combination with state-of-the-art monitoring technologies, and investments in efforts to increase the supply of water, such as through construction of the Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie.

The Poizner Vision For A 21st Century Water Policy

Commissioner Poizner knows that, to avoid future water crises, our state must invest in new infrastructure, promote water conservation and efficiency, and commit to innovative strategies that ensure the sustainability of California’s natural resources. As Governor, Steve Poizner will exercise strong leadership in water policy to meet the needs of California’s homes, farms, and its environment. The Poizner water solution will:

Increase Surface and Groundwater Storage to Provide Stability During Sustained Dry Periods
Build a Conveyance System for the 21st Century
Manage Delta Ecology for a Reliable Water Supply and a Sustainable Environment
Promote Conservation and Efficiency to Reduce Waste and Increase Water Savings
Promote Water Recycling and Desalination by Local Agencies
Empower Local Water Agencies to Implement Diverse Water Management Strategies