The Future Of California's Water Policy

Water is a complicated topic in any state. Add the fact that California happens to be an arid desert whose water is piped across jurisdictional boundaries, mountain ranges and generally through one of the most sophisticated delivery systems in the nation, and a number of new and complex issues arise. Environmental Defense's Tom Graff has seen the state's water law and policy evolve from his first dealings with it in the early 70's. Mr. Graff details how the lawsuits, accords and general attention (or lack thereof) during the past 30 years has affected water law and gives us a glimpse into what his experience leads him to believe about the future of water policy in the decades to come. Editor's note: This story is located 1/2-way down the page.