Water Policy
Update on our last Action Alert to stop LADWP’s Deep Aquifer Groundwater Pumping: your voices matter! Thank you all who wrote in and made your voices heard last week: LADWP retracted the deep aquifer groundwater pumping documentation (Notice of Exemption/Notice of Determination) from the Inyo County Clerk on October 8, 2024. and has stated that any forthcoming proposed well replacement project will be subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). While we know this attempt to pump from the deep well aquifer is likely far from over, we want to thank everyone who spoke out and made it clear…
LADWP is trying to avoid public and environmental scrutiny for new, deeper wells in Owens Valley by claiming they are “replacement” wells under the 1991 Environmental Impact Review. We need to push back hard against these efforts to increase extraction without any environmental analysis and write to LADWP to tell them they cannot skirt the California Evironmental Quality Act for this new strategy of deep aquifer groundwater pumping.
Come support the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission at LADWP’s Board Meeting, this Tuesday, July 9! Contribute a public comment verbally during the meeting, or written online before 6pm on Monday, July 8. Every voice matters!
Make your voice heard! Attend the Inyo County/Los Angeles Standing Committee Meeting at 11 a.m. this Thursday, May 30, in Independence or online via Zoom. The Standing Committee will receive comments from the public. Find out how you can get involved!
Protect Eastern Sierra Water! At 9am on Thursday 5/9, representatives from Inyo County and LADWP will meet to discuss LADWP’s plans for pumping water from the Eastern Sierra for the 2024-2025 runoff year. Let’s make our voices heard. Come to this meeting and advocate for reduced pumping and ecosystem recovery.
We’re in the thick of spring, and would like to update you on what we’ve been up to and what’s coming up between now and summer for Friends of the Inyo! Happy reading…And if you like what you read, happy sharing!
The Inyo/Los Angeles Technical Group, which consists of representatives from Inyo County and LADWP, will meet Thursday morning, May 9, in Bishop, to examine technical aspects of water management (LADWP’s Draft Annual Operations Plan). Attend in person or virtually and make your voice heard for Eastern Sierra water protection!