California's recent wildfires have sparked a heated debate about their underlying causes and the effectiveness of the response. Historian and commentator Victor Davis Hanson points to a confluence of factors beyond climate change that exacerbated the disaster, characterizing the situation as a "woke green hydrogen bomb." He criticizes the leadership response, citing issues ranging from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's initial absence to inadequate water infrastructure.
Hanson highlights the critical role of water management in fire prevention and control. He questions Governor Gavin Newsom's claims about full reservoirs, citing data that shows key reservoirs operating below capacity. Hanson argues that Newsom's policies, influenced by environmental concerns, have led to water being released into the ocean rather than stored for crucial needs like firefighting and agriculture.
The debate also revolves around the use of funds allocated for water infrastructure improvements. Despite voter-approved bonds for new reservoirs and groundwater storage, Hanson points out that these projects remain incomplete. This lack of progress, coupled with the state's difficulty in managing the record rainfall from the previous year, further complicates the water management issue.
Hanson specifically mentions a critical reservoir in Pacific Palisades that was out of service due to a damaged cover, further hindering firefighting efforts. This incident underscores the need for proactive maintenance and investment in existing infrastructure.
Drawing on his personal experience as a farmer reliant on Sierra Nevada snowmelt, Hanson explains the complex water system in California's Central Valley. He criticizes the lack of new dam construction on the San Joaquin River system and the ongoing release of water into the ocean despite growing demand. He contends that these practices, combined with the prolonged dry spell, contribute to the state’s vulnerability to wildfires.
While Newsom has called for an independent review of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and proposed additional funding for emergency response and recovery, the core issues of water management and infrastructure remain central to the discussion. Mayor Bass’s office emphasizes her commitment to navigating the crisis and securing resources for recovery, while also highlighting the unprecedented weather conditions that fueled the fires.
