California’s reservoir levels are at a record low as the state is once again in a drought. This is not due to climate change — feckless state leadership is to blame.
The state’s reservoirs are at their lowest levels since 1977, as the state has experienced a long dry stretch. The natural reaction from California Democrats is to throw their hands in the air, give some sanctimonious statement about how the country must fight climate change, and then tell California residents to cut back on their water.
But the state saw record rains just a few short years ago. In February 2019, an estimated 18 trillion gallons of water fell on the Golden State. It wasn’t the fault of climate change that 80% of the water that fell on urban and coastal cities ended up in the ocean.
Much like the state is shooting itself in the foot by phasing out nuclear energy, California has only made life during droughts tougher by letting its water policies be dictated by environmentalists who prioritize fish over people and food. New water storage projects are met with fierce opposition from environmental groups, despite environmental interests receiving 50% of the state’s water.
California doesn’t have to waste away in the heat. Climate change is not some unavoidable force destined to destroy the Golden State. Rather than shrugging their shoulders, California leaders should redouble their efforts to build water storage and distribute water appropriately throughout the state.
