Good post. As usual, I agree with EDF on most issues. I am going to add a few suggestions.

First, I would recommend that a cost-benefit study be required before construction can start on a new canal in addition to the environmental reviews. This would have to lag the environmental reviews and flow determinations by a few months as these are critical inputs to knowing the costs (how much remediation) and benefits (how much water will a canal deliver). Even if we can design an environmentally friendly canal, it isn't clear that it will pass a cost-benefit test or even a cost-effectiveness test compared to other alternatives. If it passes all these tests, I could be convinced to support it with strong governance.

Second, I would recommend some explicit guidelines for the selection of any independent science panels that ensure independence.

Finally, I don't know what is going on with the local Delta environmental activists complaining so loudly about EDF lately. I wish they wouldn't do that, but understand why they are upset about being outside the negotiating room. I hope EDF gets a chance during this breather to talk to some of these folks and at least try to improve this relationship.

Jeff Michael
University of the Pacific