Opponents of a proposed desalination facility along the Huntington Beach coastline are aghast that Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken steps to help end a years-long regulatory logjam. Although an environmentalist, the governor clearly recognizes the importance of developing new water sources to meet California’s needs.
Privately funded facilities plants that turn saltwater into drinking water aren’t the only solution to California’s water shortages, but they are one solution. For instance, a similar plant in Carlsbad has the capacity to meet 9 percent of San Diego County’s water needs. That’s an enormous contribution, especially with another drought looming.
Consider the latest government statistics regarding California’s water situation. More than 99 percent of the state is abnormally dry, with nearly 91 percent facing a moderate drought and 57 percent facing a severe drought. State officials already are mulling water-use standards that could obliterate our agricultural industry and lead to rationing.
California hasn’t built serious water infrastructure since the 1970s, when the population was half of its current size. Desalination plants provide relatively costly water supplies, but they offer a predictable source – something of utmost importance when dry conditions mandate cutbacks in imported water. One can earnestly debate costs and benefits, but environmental attacks on the project – and the governor – are nonsensical.
The latest critique centers on Newsom’s association with a lobbyist for the firm developing the plant and his replacement of a water board official who was critical of the proposal. That’s much ado about nothing. The state has control over the approval process. Everyone – including environmentalists – lobbies to achieve their policy goals.
Newsom’s office responded to the criticisms appropriately: “Regions across California must continue to innovate on local projects as climate change makes our state’s water supply more unpredictable.” In fact, desalination plants can actually improve the environment by reducing the state’s reliance on overburdened river systems.
California needs more water. Desalination plants will help provide it. Kudos to the governor for helping the Huntington Beach project.
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