Some California lawmakers want to use taxpayer money to purchase water rights from farmers.
show about 98% of the state has severe drought conditions as California heads into summer months that rarely produce any significant precipitation. Many areas have begun restricting water use for homeowners, largely by reducing outdoor use such as lawn irrigation. And farmers have had their allocation from the two major state-owned water systems reduced — in some casesLegally, all of the water in California is the property of the government.
“It's like we're taking a page from corporate America and we're buying back stock,” said state Sen. Bob Wieckowski, a Democrat who represents the San Francisco Bay Area and is chair of a budget subcommittee overseeing environmental spending. A typical household uses 1 acre foot of water each year. Farmers collectively use up to 35 million acre feet of water each year, according to theThe $1.5 billion would be enough to buy about 200,000 acre feet of water, based on an average price of $7,500 per acre foot, according to Tom Birmingham, general manager of Westlands Water District, the largest agricultural water district in the country.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California drought: State lawmakers mull buying out farmers to save waterAfter decades of fighting farmers in court over how much water they can take out of California’s rivers and streams, some state lawmakers want to try something different: use taxpayer money t…
Read more »
State lawmakers propose buying out farmers' water rights to spare DeltaSome California lawmakers want to use taxpayer money to purchase water rights from farmers to keep more water in rivers and streams to benefit endangered species of fish.
Read more »
California drought reshuffles lives of Latino farmers and workersMany Latino farmers and workers whose lives revolve around California's agriculture industry have been forced to make difficult decisions due to the ongoing water crisis.
Read more »
Opening day for Elgin farmers market brings out droves of customers ready for a summer outingWith the sweet scent of patchouli oil and the old school soul sounds of the Frank Liston Trio floating along on an early summer breeze, the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market started its season Friday afternoon with a good-sized crowd of shoppers.
Read more »
Kids can help California save water in the drought. Try making a game out of itNo one likes to be nagged. Here's how games can help you persuade your kids to take shorter showers.
Read more »
Last call at 4 a.m.: California could extend bar hours in these citiesLast call at 4 a.m. could be coming to bars in several California cities under a new proposal by two Bay Area lawmakers.
Read more »