The Stream, November 22, 2019: California Says It Will Sue the Trump Administration Over Water Plans

The Global Rundown

California says it will sue the Trump administration over plans to pump more water out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Drought-stricken Zimbabwe removes import controls on maize and wheat flour following a poor harvest. The “dead-zone” in the Chesapeake Bay measures within a normal range this year despite adverse weather conditions, signalling improvements to water quality. The United Nations Development Programme and the Somali government establish a mobile alert system to warn about droughts and floods. The U.S. Congress extends the federal National Flood Insurance Program for a thirteenth time since 2017. 

“As stewards of this state’s remarkable natural resources, we must do everything in our power to protect them.” –Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, in reference to the state’s water supplies. On Thursday, California announced that it would sue the Trump administration over plans to pump more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Trump’s plan would increase water supplies for farmers in the San Joaquin Valley, but risks disrupting the Delta’s ecosystem and jeopardizing fish populations. A 610-page report by Newsom’s administration offers an alternative plan for the Delta’s water, although environmental groups say the state’s proposal still might not offer enough protection for endangered species. Sacramento Bee

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By The Numbers

800,000 tonnes Maize needed to cover a grain deficit in drought-stricken Zimbabwe. In order to bridge the gap, the country has temporarily removed import controls on maize and wheat flour. Reuters

13 Times that the U.S. Congress has granted short-term extensions for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which covers 5 million households in the United States. Congress is currently debating ways to reform the NFIP. The extension gives lawmakers until December 20 to revise and reauthorize the program. The Hill

Science, Studies, and Reports

An annual “dead zone” report card for the Chesapeake Bay analyzes the amount of low-oxygen, hypoxic water in the bay. In 2019, dead-zone conditions were within a normal range, despite high river inflows and light winds, both of which contribute to hypoxia. Scientists say the findings are a sign of improving water quality. Science Daily

On the Radar

A new mobile phone alert system is set to be introduced across Somalia to signal impending droughts and floods in the country. The program is part of a joint effort by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Somali government to improve the nation’s climate resilience. Reuters

Kayla Ritter

Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter