California: Mandatory Statewide Water Restrictions

By Douglas V. Gibbs

In response to the historic drought California is currently suffering, Governor Jerry Brown has ordered for cities to implement mandatory water use restriction in an effort to reduce usage by 25%. This is the first time in California's history that a statewide order regarding water usage has ever been implemented.

Brown announced the order at Lake Tahoe, where water experts measured the snowpack.

“Today we are standing on dry grass where there should be five feet of snow,” Brown said. “This historic drought demands unprecedented action. Therefore, I’m issuing an executive order mandating substantial water reductions across our state. As Californians, we must pull together and save water in every way possible.”

While the move seems necessary in the face of an unprecedented California drought, political pundits question the authority of Governor Brown's executive action without an accompanying legislative action by California's legislature.

Has Governor Brown set himself up as king of California in a manner similar to the way Obama has set himself up as ruler of the United States - willing to do as he wants, with or without the support of the legislature?

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary