California High Speed Rail Project Dealt Major Setbacks
A recent environmental ruling overturned by the California Supreme Court and a last-minute deal made by Gov. Jerry Brown to extend his signature “cap-and-trade” climate program another 10 years ensures further complications for the planned $64-billion bullet train. In overturning the lower court’s ruling, the Supreme Court said federal law does not allow the… Read more »
Chinatown (the Movie) Revisted: Inyo County Seeks to Take Back Water Rights Through Eminent Domain
About a century ago, agents from Los Angeles — disguised as ranchers and farmers — quietly began purchasing land in Owens Valley that held water rights. Soon, residents of Inyo County found most of their water rights now belonged to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (“DWP”). DWP imports the water to Los… Read more »
Delta Twin Tunnel Project Flowing Towards Approval
California Gov. Jerry Brown’s controversial water-diversion project in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta area was given the green light by federal wildlife agencies as the state continues to seek required permits that are critical to starting construction on the project. The $17-billion plan would build two massive, 35-mile-long tunnels under the delta that moves water from… Read more »
Environmental Challenge to the Mid County Parkway Project Rejected
Environmental challenges filed against the Mid County Parkway, a proposed 16-mile freeway project that would link Perris and San Jacinto, have been denied by a federal judge. United States District Judge George Wu rejected the legal challenge filed by environmental groups under the National Environmental Policy Act. The lawsuit was filed by environmental groups… Read more »