Dam Stubborn

(photo from State Parks)
Arnold is trying to green over concrete in his push to build two new dams. Sorry, Arnold more money for conservation does not make up for the environmental destruction caused by building massive new dams. SacBee:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pledged Wednesday to continue pursuing his $5.9 billion water plan after it stalled last month in the state Senate, and he reiterated his desire to build new dams in California despite Democratic opposition.

In a nod to Democrats, the Republican governor emphasized his proposed $200 million in conservation grants at an Association of California Water Agencies luncheon in Sacramento. Yet he drew the most applause from 700 water officials when he called for two new dams in California.

The governor wanted the dams package to be part of the last year's bonds, but ran up against stiff Democratic opposition. It unclear what Arnold's thinks has changed this year. Meanwhile, the concrete lovers are talking about an independent ballot initiative.

Randy Fiorini, president of the Association of California Water Agencies, said he hopes the governor and Legislature strike a deal to build new dams. But he said his group remains open to backing a ballot measure outside the Legislature.

"The electorate understands that the economy can't survive on an uncertain water supply," Fiorini said. "And surface water storage has been a critical part of our reliable water supply."

I have not seen any recent statewide public polling on dams, but expect Field of PPIC to ask. However, only 46% of likely voters in the Sacramento region support the proposed Auburn Dam. In contrast, 59% supported it in 1990. That certainly does not lend credence to Fiorini's claim of public understanding.

It is pretty much guaranteed that it would be one massive battle. The environmental groups would pull out all the stops to defeat such an initiative, with Arnold and Republicans on the other side. One thing is for sure, it would expose Arnold's skin deep environmentalism.