Gov. Jerry Brown Taking Part In LA Forum On Water Conservation
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Governor Jerry Brown is taking part in a drought forum at USC Tuesday night to discuss water conservation.
Earlier Tuesday, he attended a board meeting for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Discussing the state's future in the midst of a severe drought, Brown noted conservation "is a challenge for all the people of California."
"Conservation, recycling, storm water capture, rain water capture, toilet to tap ... we have to reuse this precious resource," he said.
Brown showcased a picture of the Delta Project's environmental impact report, representing more than a million hours of analysis on a vulnerable, 100-year-old levee system in danger of collapse.
"Think of this as an insurance policy. We've got to make sure that we can capture this water and convey it in a reliable, secure way," he said.
Outside the closed-door Metropolitan Water District meeting, a group of anti-fracking activists claimed Brown isn't doing enough to stop water-wasting and water-pollution.
"We don't think there's responsible climate policy, we don't think there's responsible drought policy, unless there is an immediate moratorium on waste water injection wells," activist Walker Foley said.
But a recent report published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows fracking has not had an impact on drinking water supplies. And Governor Brown claims California has the most aggressive control of oil production in the western hemisphere.
"I want to cut petroleum use 50 perfect. First of all, it will reduce pollution, reduce ... chemicals and will deal with our climate change. But getting there is no easy matter," he said.
No easy matter, but one the entire drought-stricken state must face.
