Conservation advocates say it’s now or never to protect the Cadiz aquifer underneath the Mojave Trails National Monument in the southern California
desert. A bill protecting the aquifer passed in the state Assembly, and needs to be passed by the state Senate today. Managing editor Tami Roleff explains…
The state legislative session ends today, so supporters are urging state lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 120, which would require the controversial Cadiz Water Project to undergo state review, even as the Trump administration has moved to fast-track it. David Lamfrom with the National Parks Conservation Association says the plan to transfer desert water to seven southern California cities is flawed.
"New science indicates that this project would drain 16 billion gallons of water per year from an ancient aquifer, which feeds desert springs – which are critical for native culture, for wildlife in the region and for our national parks and our national monuments."
Conservation groups worry that animals like the endangered bighorn sheep and the desert tortoise will perish if the natural springs they depend on dry up. The Trump administration says a federal review is unnecessary, and the developer maintains it would not harm the aquifer and would create jobs.
Lamfrom says most Californians oppose the feds' effort to bypass environmental safeguards.
"People understand that in a place like the California desert, that it is vital to protect our water sources because water is so rare and precious in this place."
A slew of leaders in the Golden State have announced their support for S-B 120, including Governor Jerry Brown, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and multiple Native American tribes.
The State Assembly passed S-B 120 on Wednesday. It now needs a vote in the Senate.
