As the San Luis Obispo County supervisor representing South County, I am deeply concerned about the recent lawsuit and court decision against the county regarding the county’s operation of Lopez Dam. This lawsuit is a judicial end run around the county’s years-long administrative process with the state and federal agencies that are responsible for regulating endangered species and protected resources.
While protecting steelhead trout is an admirable goal, this lawsuit and the plaintiffs behind it take an unnecessarily myopic view and refuse to properly consider the consequences of their lawsuit on other species and resources as well as our region’s already fragile water supply. To be clear, this lawsuit jeopardizes the water security of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Oceano, Pismo Beach, and Avila Beach—communities that rely on Lopez Lake Reservoir for survival.
The lawsuit, brought by the Ecological Rights Foundation and in coordination with local agencies San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, Los Padres ForestWatch, and the California Coastkeeper Alliance, disregards the county’s significant efforts to protect endangered species, including steelhead trout. For years, the county has worked on a comprehensive habitat conservation plan and carefully managed water releases to balance water supply and species protection. Additionally, projects like frog ponds and fish passage improvements, among other things, demonstrate the county’s proactive commitment to environmental stewardship.
Two years ago, Lopez Reservoir was at just 22 percent capacity due to prolonged drought. While Lopez is nearly full today, severe droughts are inevitable. This is why we must be careful, thoughtful, and precise with how we manage this resource, based on facts and fully vetted science. The recent decision makes short shrift of the years of work, elaborate study, and comprehensive analysis that the county has performed in order to “get it right” and to achieve both environmental successes for steelhead and other species while managing this important resource for the community.
This lawsuit is an example of environmentalism going too far—where the drive to protect one species overrides the basic needs of an entire community. The lawsuit and recent ruling impose restrictions that destabilize the region’s water supply without guaranteeing better outcomes for the species.
I support many local environmental causes. However, the nature of this litigation, the attorneys’ “scorched earth” tactics, and the willingness of some organizations to jeopardize our water system must be rebuked and condemned. Please reach out to these organizations to implore them to change their tactics and collaborate on sustainable solutions.
I remain committed to conserving our environment while advancing projects like regional water recycling, desalination, infrastructure investments, and conservation strategies that protect and enhance our water supply.
In the spirit of collaboration, I urge all parties to come together to develop a balanced solution that ensures the long-term water security of our SLO South County communities.
Jimmy Paulding is SLO County’s 4th District supervisor. Send a response for publication by emailing it to letters@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 19-29, 2024.