Phil Matier: Gov. Brown Expected To Make Drought Declaration Friday
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Gov. Jerry Brown is scheduled to make a major announcement in San Francisco on Friday morning, with multiple reports claiming he will declare a drought emergency in California.
The expected announcement comes after several lawmakers, including U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, have put the pressure on Brown to declare a statewide drought emergency.
Earlier this week, Brown indicated that he was moving closer to declaring the emergency.
After an extremely dry 2013, this has been one of the driest winters on record in the state of California, leading to dangerous fire conditions and many reservoirs being depleted.
A declaration would increase the awareness of residents, by listing some environmental restrictions and would also allow Brown to start regulating who gets how much water in the state.
It is unclear if federal officials would help with relief efforts if there is a prolonged drought.
You can hear Phil Matier's comments Monday through Friday at 7:50am and 5:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.