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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 22, 2020)
B5 THE ASTORIAN • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020 California sues Trump administration Lost my appetite to block proposed federal water rules By ADAM BEAM Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California sued the Trump administration on Thursday to block new rules that would let farmers take more water from the state’s largest river systems, argu- ing it would push endan- gered populations of delta smelt, C hinook salmon and steelhead trout to extinction. The federal rules gov- ern how much water can be pumped out of the water- sheds of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, which fl ow from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the San Fran- cisco Bay and provide the state with much of its water for a bustling agriculture industry that supplies two- thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts and more than a third of its vegetables. But the rivers are also home to a variety of state and federally protected fi sh species, whose numbers have been dwindling since humans began building dams and reservoirs to con- trol fl ooding and send water throughout the state. Two massive networks of dams and canals determine how much water gets taken out, with one system run by the state and the other run by the federal government. Historically, the fed- eral government has set the rules for both systems. But recently, state offi - cials have complained the Trump administration’s pro- posed rules don’t do enough to protect endangered spe- cies. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration threatened to sue the federal government in November, but delayed action in the hopes he could work out a compromise. But the federal govern- ment fi nalized the new rules this week. Trump traveled to Bakersfi eld on Wednesday to celebrate them before a jubilant crowd. “We’re going to get you your water and put a lot of Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo People try to catch fi sh along the Sacramento River in the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta, near Courtland. pressure on your gover- nor,” Trump told the crowd. “And, frankly, if he doesn’t do it, you’re going to get a new governor.” Newsom responded on Thursday with a law- suit, fi led in partnership with state Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “California won’t silently spectate as the Trump Administration adopts sci- entifi cally-challenged bio- logical opinions that push species to extinction and harm our natural resources and waterways,” Becerra said. The lawsuit, fi led in fed- eral court in San Francisco, challenges the actions of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, who over- sees the bureau, warned Thursday night of unpredict- able consequences that could result from the lawsuit. “The governor and attor- ney general just launched a ship into a sea of unpredict- able administrative and legal challenges regarding the most complex water opera- tions in the country, some- thing they have not char- tered before,” Bernhardt said in a statement. “Litiga- tion can lead to unpredict- able twists and turns that can create signifi cant chal- lenges for the people of Cal- ifornia who depend on the sound operation of these two important water projects.” Wednesday, the U.S. Department of the Inte- rior touted the new rules for pledging $1.5 billion of fed- eral and state funds over the next 10 years to restore hab- itat for endangered species, scientifi c monitoring of the rivers and improvements to fi sh hatcheries. But state offi cials say the rules would mean less water in the rivers, which would kill more fi sh. In particular, the low fl ows would hurt C hinook salmon and steel- head trout, which once a year return to the freshwa- ter rivers from the Pacifi c Ocean to spawn. The state’s lawsuit says the federal govern- ment did not properly ana- lyze the rules to see if they would “tip a species toward extinction.” Lawsuits over water in California are common, but it’s something the Newsom administration has been try- ing to avoid. For the past year, state regulators have been negotiating with water agencies on a set of vol- untary agreements to set water quality standards in the delta. Newsom hopes these agreements, if they are ever reached, would avoid decades of lawsuits that have plagued prior water regulations. The lawsuit announced Thursday could put those agreements in jeopardy. A representative for the State Water Contractors declined to comment on the lawsuit, but pointed to the group’s previous comments where General Manager Jennifer Pierre said they were “disap- pointed” the two sides could not compromise. “We are concerned about the impact any litigation may have on the Voluntary Agreements process,” Pierre said at the time. Thursday, Newsom said his goal remains to “real- ize enforceable voluntary agreements.” “This is the best path for- ward to sustain our commu- nities, our environment and our economy,” the governor said. Dear Annie: My parents The next time you’re in town, live in a tiny Midwestern dine in at the restaurant. If town with one restaurant. It’s and when this bully tries to a mom and pop place with push his way into your con- really delicious food, and versation, summon up the many of the locals are reg- courage to push back (with ulars, including my parents. words, of course). Politely The owner, “Martina,” is but fi rmly say, “I’m not inter- extremely sweet and accom- ested in discussing politics modating and does most of or religion,” or “Respect- the work including the cook- fully, my parents and I hav- ing. Her husband, on the other en’t seen each other in a hand, does very little except while and would like some sit down at the tables with time to catch up on our own customers and annoy them. here,” or something to that He brings up politics, effect. Once word DEAR religion and other gets around, others ANNIE topics that repeat- may follow suit. At edly offend custom- the very least, you’ll ers. It’s the Midwest, have given Martina so everyone is too something to point to polite to say, “GO should her husband AWAY!” They also insist that customers really enjoy Martina don’t mind his antics. and her cooking. No ANNIE LANE Remember: It’s Creators one wants to hurt her not rude to stand up Syndicate Inc. to rudeness. feelings, so no one Dear Annie: I am has let her know that he’s driving away business writing in response to the advice you gave to the letter with his behavior. Martina seems oblivious writer “A Little Gratitude.” to how much he annoys peo- The letter writer was very ple. She mentions how tight frustrated at the double stan- money is and how hard it is dard her mother had regard- to stay above water in her ing the giving and receiving business, and I want to tell of packages via the mail. In short, it’s a petty, child- her that banning her husband would certainly improve her ish problem and not worth income. Is there a polite way getting upset over. If that’s all it takes to frus- to do so? Personally, I can’t stand trate someone they should him and only get carryout count their blessings. Either when I visit my parents, but they have way too much time I know that the locals appre- on their hands or way too lit- ciate having a place to catch tle stress in their life. I wasted up with neighbors and pre- way too many years on sim- fer to eat there. Several have ilar circumstances with my stopped going because of mother, who was suffer- him. Is there a way to let her ing from a form of dementia know how he’s affecting her for nearly 20 years before it bottom line without offend- was diagnosed. There were ing her? — Ban the Booth not the usual, obvious symp- toms. Psychological disor- Bully Dear Ban the Booth ders are abundant and have Bully: I’m sure this woman no age limits. Confronting someone is aware her husband is a thorn in her restaurant’s side. over such matters rarely If he’s that prickly in public, results in a positive outcome. just imagine what a bram- You can’t control what other ble he is at home. Perhaps people do, only the way you her seeming obliviousness react to it. — Been There, is a coping mechanism: She Done Enough of That Dear Been There: That is can’t convince her husband to change his behavior, so she perhaps the single universal does her best to tune it out. piece of advice. It’s a point So rather than go to her with worth reminding ourselves of the issue, I think you ought to on the regular, and I appreci- address it right at the source. ate your bringing it up. Classifieds Searching for Employees? PLACE YOUR JOB POSTING HERE Special Includes: • 2 Weeks in Print & Online • Logo Included • Facebook Boost • Featured Advertising Call Brittany at 800-781-3211 or 503-325-3212 GARAGE SALE SELL YOUR VEHICLE HERE! SEASON IS HERE! If it Drives or Floats... ONLY $ 25 $ 49.95 ys for 3 da Call 800.781.3211 or 503-325-3212 to advertise today! 184 Personals 201 Antique & Classic Vehicles 28th Annual Astoria Automotive Swap Meet Vendors Wanted Clatsop Fairgrounds Saturday March 14th. 8am-2pm Contact Fred 503-440-9481 Dorothy 503-468-0006 204 Automobiles “Searching for you” 57 year old hard working man seeking someone who likes these words. Friendship, respect, adventure, laughter, love, loyalty, soul mate, fairy tales and rainbows. Call or text Kevin (503)440-6693 SHOP LOCAL! Check the Business Directory daily to utilize the local professionals advertising in The Astorian. To place an ad in our Business Directory, call 503-325-3211. DUST off the old pool table and sell it with a classified ad. ADVERTISE TODAY 800.781.3211 or 503-325-3212 If it doesn’t sell in two weeks We will give you two weeks for FREE! 216 Vans 1989 Chevrolet G30 Van No leaks, responsible owner used for camping and hunting only a few times. Everything works inside. Need to make room & sacrifice the “fun house”. Located in Jewell. Runs great, there are a few things that need TLC. $1200. Call 9712959712 If You Live In Seaside or Cannon Beach DIAL 2001 Saturn sl2, 4 door, 5 speed. 127,600 miles. Silver with gray black int. 4 new tires. Road master tow bar included. $1,200 OBO 503-861-0952 503-325-3211 HAVING storage problems? Why not sell no-longer-used items with a fastworking classifed ad? If you live in Seaside or Cannon Beach, call 503-325-3211 to place a The Astorian classified ad. F OR A The Astorian Classified Ad A small town newspaper with a global outlook One of the Pacific Northwest’s great small newspapers www.dailyastorian.com
