Nov
9
Peter H. Gleick for White House Water Advisor
November 9, 2008 | Posted by Michael "Aquadoc" Campana
6 Comments
[Note: as the disclaimer above says, this is my opinion and not that of AWRA.]
No sense beating around the bush: we’ve got some serious water issues facing the USA (and the world). If I have to enumerate them, then you’ve been living under a rock or not reading this blog, or both. Paramount among these issues is the fact that the USA has no national water policy/strategy/vision/plan (choose your favorite term).
President-Elect Barack Obama needs to appoint a White House Water Advisor. I eschew using the sexier term “water czar” because I am not talking about someone with absolute life-or-death authority. But I want someone who has the ear and confidence of the President and can speak for him on water issues. He/she would have an office in the West Wing and a staff as well. That person would attend Cabinet meetings, and be distinct from the Science Advisor. Water is too important to be rolled into ”science” with a bunch of other things.
So what would this person do?
- Advise the President on water and related issues, both domestic and foreign
- Be the administration’s water “point man/woman”
- Make policy recommendations
- Liaise with Capitol Hill and the states
- Coordinate Federal water agencies and policies (I know, dream on!)
Obviously, we need someone smart and who “thinks outside the box” (apologies for using that hackneyed term). Sorry, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin, but ‘Joe/Jane Six-Pack’ or ‘Joe the Plumber’ won’t do. Nor will another lawyer suffice; we already have TMDLs. And let’s get someone who is OTB (Outside The Beltway), not a political hack, and doesn’t espouse the SOS. Gee, that’s a tall order!
So who fills the bill? Dr. Peter H. Gleick, President and co-founder of the nonprofit Pacific Institute, is the best person for the job. When it comes to water, he’s well-respected and the smartest one in the pool.
In 20 short years, Gleick and his co-workers have made the Pacific Institute into one of the most respected nonpartisan environmental/economic development/social equity “think tanks” around. Gleick himself has the “street creds” to assume such a mantle: he is a former MacArthur Foundation Fellow (the “genius” award) and has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. He has already written about the water threats and opportunities facing the next President, and provided 16 key water policy recommendations.
Gleick’s expertise also extends beyond water into the 4E’s: environment, energy, equity, and economics. He is keenly aware of the interplay between water and the 4E’s. He’s also a policy wonk and a charter member of the WaterWonk club. And he’s articulate.
So it’s a done deal. Dr. Peter H. Gleick, El Jefe de Agua!
Who’s your choice?
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
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6 Comments so far
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Great suggestion, how do we make it happen?
I am not an Obama supporter, but I think Peter would be outstanding…help?
Well, even though Peter has thrown his hat in the ring, I think he’s doing a great job at PI. I am not so busy, so I nominate myself.
I compared our platforms here.
The water supply in some regions has been reduced due to environmental regulation. The thrust in many areas has been to curtail growth by restricting the water supply. What we need is a balance between the water suppliers and environmental regulators.
We don’t need more studies.
The way to get this done is to find a senator or better yet, a coalition of them, as sponsors.
I also think Peter is the right person for the job of Water Advisor to the White House. His grasp of the often sophisticated science involved in water issues coupled with his mastery of data from around the globe puts him in a unique position. But just as importantly, Peter can access pop culture references and even humor to get his points across and explain the science in accessible language. If this nation is ever going to take water seriously – to really think each time we turn on that tap – someone with Peter’s unique skill set is a must. Oh … and Peter – I’ve won 10 journalism awards and 2 environmental awards and I would feel privileged to work with you.
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