Incentives and Disincentives for Water Conservation in the California State Water Policymaking Process

摘要

This study focuses on California's political and policymaking environment for water conservation with particular emphasis on the years 1977 through 1980. The major approaches to water conservation are examined in the setting of California's major political conflicts. The positions taken by major interest groups on significant water conservation issues are assessed. The distinctive aspects of the legislative organization and process for water conservation are examined in the context of four major voting blocs. The major pieces of water conservation legislation for the 1977-1980 period are analyzed in terms of educative, incentive, regulatory and institutional change strategies. Finally, the role of the governor in the water conservation policymaking process is highlighted. How California proceeds with its political decisionmaking processes for water conservation has major implications for national and state water policies in the semi-arid West.