For many decades, there have been almost constant news reports of large groups of people displaced by wars and famine. In many cases, these refugees flee their native lands, cross borders and settle in camps run by the United Nations or a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). A new type of refugee is emerging in this century, however; rather than fleeing war or persecution, these are refugees of ecological changes and challenges.
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As readers of this blog may be aware, the State of California has been facing
many challenges with respect to its freshwater management, endangered species,
and agriculture. In November, 2009, the state took a step forward to face those
challenges in the form of four bills that total over $11 billion in funding directed
towards the state’s river systems, lakes, and other water management projects.

The bills cover four major areas of water management. The first, Senate Bill No. 1
addresses the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta area and lays out a plan for
reestablishment of the natural wetlands while preserving the state’s fresh water
resources. The second bill, Senate Bill No. 6 requires that localities monitor
groundwater levels to avoid pumping aquifers dry. Senate Bill No. 7 aims
to bring urban and agricultural water users to the table to begin a real
discussion about water conservation. Finally, Senate Bill No. 8 addresses
the practice of water diversion and seeks to set up a more equitable playing
field for all the state’s water stakeholders.
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