Today Gov. Schwarzenegger proclaimed a statewide drought and issued an executive order addressing the urgent situation in California. But does the Governor's actions really make a difference?

To read the Governor's take on this pressing matter, click here.

It's an important acknowledgement of an increasing problem in light of this year's meager rainfall and snow pack levels. But consider what the Governor DOESN'T do today. He doesn't mandate water conservation. He doesn't put a moratorium in increased water use. He doesn't tackle some of the complex allocation issues that plague the state. There's a lot more that the state has to do. Many knowledgeable observers believe that his order relies heaviliy on outdated strategies that have contributed to our current problems. His actions may not be strong enough to address the state's immediate needs. Consider the statement released today from the Planning and Conservation League. Click here to read the PCL's press release. They tells us that the Governor's order relies heavily on outdated strategies that have helped to create the very problems that we now need to solve.

Consider that in Southern California, Long Beach is the only major metropolitan area to order conservation. The CWA's "voluntary" education effort to promote water conservation fell flater than one-week old soda pop. There are no mandatory conservation measures being seriously discussed regionally.....heck, people are still watering their driveways and streets! And local leaders aren't discussing any actions that will help consumers find ways of substantially reducing their usage.

Later this month, UCAN will be releasing a report on water conservation in the San Diego region that will include some innovative ideas as to how the region can get serious about taking on water scarcity for this and the coming years. Stay tuned!