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Launce

We have the opportunity to divert this runaway train before we're locked into a cycle of increasing water and energy consumption. Let's stop that train!

Great column, Bill. Destroying the common heritage of all Americans (not to mention all Nevadans!) has been a theme for short-sighted, greed-obsessed hucksters and the politicians who represent them st least since the Civil War. Fortunately, there are enough far-sighted people of both parties committed to conserving and preserving our public lands that we, and I hope our children, will have places to experience God's earth.

Via Dennis Ghiglieri of the Great Basin Water Network:
The quote that appears in Cy Ryan's article "Further growth is not in the best interest of ... Las Vegas..." does appear in GBWN Attorney Simeon Herskovits' "proposed ruling" document, but does not represent the GBWN, et al case nor proposed ruling in a fair manner.
Cy Ryan took a quote of one of the 58 separate protest reasons from protestants submitted in 1990 -- which Herskovits summarized for the State Engineer. So what Cy Ryan quoted was a summary what one or more protestants from 22 years ago put in their individual protests.
It was not the argument of the GBWN before the State Engineer and does not represent the case that was presented on behalf of the GBWN, et al.

The SNWA says this vast area must be dewatered to support economic activity in Las Vegas. I agree that Las Vegas' economic vitality is critical. I don't agree that simply providing a limited additional supply of water will magically sustain that vitality.
And I especially note that SNWA's defoliation program would rob economic vitality in Las Vegas by diverting billions of dollars to lobbyists, lawyers and Wall Street! Keep our money in Southern Nevada. Let's be "Water Smart"!

That Scot Rutledge is smarter than he looks! Seriously, the first step towards accomplishing something important is to have a vision of what we want to accomplish. The Nevada Conservation League has done that!