>> While actual environmentalists look at the drought for an opportunity to increase conservation efforts, graywater recycling, drought-tolerant homes, etc., others are using the drought as an opportunity to push un-eco projects:

Those who would like to build new reservoirs and canals and to weaken environmental regulations have invoked the drought like a mantra in recent weeks.

A recently introduced congressional bill that would allow federal officials to relax endangered-species protections in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is titled the California Drought Alleviation Act.

>> At least Obama’s trying to improve the Endangered Species Act:

The Bush-era rule loosened the way the Endangered Species Act guides federal projects, such as roads and dams. The change, finalized in December, eliminated a requirement that federal agencies consult with experts about potential effects on endangered plants and wildlife before allowing projects to go ahead. Instead, federal agencies can determine on their own whether their projects would harm protected species.

A major spending bill speeding through Congress includes language that would empower President Obama to reverse the rule.

>> Another piece of legislation that could mean good things for the environment: Legalizing — and taxing — pot in California. Tom Ammiano, the Cali State Assembly member who intro’d legislation, answers some questions about how this “new plan to legalize marijuana in California would create a $1 billion tokin’ tax and thousands of green jobs. Now that’s a stimulus plan!”

It’s better if you have a situation, like with booze, when you regulate it. If you’re smoking the legal product, you’re an adult, and it’s not full of pesticides, additives or other crap. The environment would benefit because a lot of these rogue plantations pollute the water source and deplete the soil.

Earlier:
>> How medical marijuana in Cali’s transforming the pot biz
>> Marijuana’s connection to diesel pollution
>> Many Cali cities — including WeHo and SaMo — have already made marijuana use the lowest priority for law enforcement

Photo by thivierr

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