Former Department of the Interior official, David Hayes, analyzes the negotiations ongoing over urban water needs in California.
In a deal struck during the Clinton administration, Southern Californias excessive reliance on Colorado River water must be planned out by the end of this year. The consequences of not meeting this demand would be severe, with the federal government cutting off the Colorado River to California. With mass desalination still part of the future, the solution to meet Californias water demand had to come from conservation and the optimized use of existing water supply. The recent agreement between the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and the San Diego Water Authority was a key to solving the regions water problem. To analyze the deal, MIR is pleased to present this interview with David Hayes, Washington, D.C. partner of Latham & Watkins and the former Deputy Secretary of the Interior under President Clinton.
Thanks to Larry Segal
Read the full story: California/Colorado River Water Pact: Former Interior Official Analyzes The Deal
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