CVP Takeover

I’d like to clarify views attributed to me in your Nov. 6 article on the proposed study of a state takeover of the Central Valley Project (CVP). That article suggested that I think new CVP reform legislation removes environmental objections to a transfer of the project. In fact, I believe the reform bill is an important step toward resolving environmental concerns, but only if fully implemented.

My support for a transfer of the CVP will depend both on how vigorously the state and federal governments implement the reform bill and on the specific terms and conditions that emerge from a multi-year review of transfer options (if the parties agree to undertake that review). While passage of the reform bill makes it more likely that the environment will be protected in the course of a takeover, what matters is whether that promise is fulfilled.

KAREN GARRISON

Senior Project Scientist,

Natural Resources Defense Council

Member of Governor’s Transfer Advisory Committee, San Francisco