Wednesday, Oct. 01, 2008

Dams and Delta can be accommodated

Regarding "Environmental laws wedge state into hydrological corner" by George Radanovich and Jim Costa (Sept. 23): The collapse of native fish species in the Delta is an indication that we are overtaxing the Delta with water exports. The waiver proposed by Radanovich and Costa could doom not only the Delta smelt, but also many Californian chinook salmon and steelhead populations.

Consider this: Average annual water exports from the Delta have been consistently higher in the last 5 years than in the previous 40. Where did that water go? Agriculture gets 80 percent of Delta water exports, environment programs get 2 percent. Obviously, trying to meet fish water needs has not caused this problem.

Statewide, cities are now enforcing strict water conservation laws, increasing water recycling and implementing numerous other strategies to save water.

A new report by the Pacific Institute "More with Less: agricultural water conservation and efficiency in California" shows how shifting to water-efficient crops and modern irrigation techniques could both save water and increase profits for California farmers.

The drastic decline of native fish species in the Delta is like a fire alarm, a signal that the ecosystem is dying. The Endangered Species Act is our only way to ensure that, in light of this crisis, we reassess our actions and devise a more balanced approach. Rather than address this crisis head on, and use their positions of influence to help safeguard California's environment and water supply, Radanovich and Costa would instead turn off the alarm.

Californians do not have to chose between protecting our Delta ecosystem and providing resources for farmers. Through conservation and proper management, we can have both.

TRENT ORR and PHILLIP HOOS

Oakland