This editorial was broadcast on KSL-TV, Salt Lake City, on 30 March 2009, 5:30 AM (!)
Nevada's Water Grab
It is impossible to ignore the concerns expressed recently by a coalition of scientists about a proposed plan to pipe precious water from aquifers along the Utah-Nevada border to Las Vegas.
The warnings came in the form of a letter signed by 147 scientists and addressed to the Governors of Utah and Nevada. They concluded the controversial project would almost certainly "adversely impact rural livelihoods, substantially lower groundwater aquifers, reduce biodiversity, and will not be sustainable."
KSL appreciates their studied warning about the potential impact of the 300 mile pipeline. Ultimately, any decision regarding the project should indeed be based on sound science. In our view, though, common sense, as often expressed by farmers and ranchers in Utah's desolate west desert is equally persuasive. "You don't empty the water jar until the rain falls, and in the Snake Valley area, the rain doesn't fall very often."
In KSL's view, not a drop of water stored naturally beneath Utah, or Nevada for that matter, should be pumped to the surface and diverted to Las Vegas unless it can be absolutely proven the pipeline project won't adversely affect the fragile west desert ecosystem. Making that case, it would seem, will be extremely difficult.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority has asked the Nevada State Engineer for a one-year delay in the Snake Valley groundwater pumping hearings. The SNWA wants more time to complete a groundwater model.
"Trouble is only opportunity in work clothes." -- Henry J. Kaiser
It never ceases to amaze me that our respective position on most aspects about water depend on whose "ox-is-getting-gored" and not on the relative strength of any compelling science. Oh, sure, we tout science, but only when it serves our purpose and quickly claim foul and fraud when it champions the other guy's position. So it is with the Las Vegas movement to obtain water from northeastern Nevada rural areas closely bordering western Utah. In this clash of ideas and wills, there is an observation which I note is not placed into discussion - religion. The majority of folks living in Northeast Nevada and Western Utah share a common faith - Mormons - so it is quite understandable that KSL TV in Salt Lake City, Utah, headquarters of the LDS (Mormon) faith, would champion a position held by its faithful. On the other hand, to the best of my knowledge KSL TV has been deaf, dumb and silent on the taking of water, though quite legal from Lake Powell and carving up the beautiful southern Utah landscape to bring this precious water to St. George and Cedar City, Utah. Like I said, it all depends on whose ox is getting gored in the moment. Science, I don't think so.
Respectfully,
Paul F. Miller
striving to promote sustainable awareness
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Posted by: PAUL F. MILLER | Wednesday, 01 April 2009 at 02:45 PM