Wolk honored as Environmentalist of the Year

Assemblywoman awarded for leadership in flood protection, protection of Delta & Cache Creek

SACRAMENTO–A Sacramento group will honor Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) this Thursday, October 26, for her “notable achievements in protecting the environment” in the Sacramento region, particularly for her leadership in efforts to protect Californians from flood risk.

The Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS), a coalition of community groups, business leaders and concerned citizens, presents the award annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the environment.

ECOS selected Wolk “for her persistence and steadfastness in attempting to bring some sanity to our flood control and land use policies,” said Executive Director Graham Brownstein. “Most of our elected officials have simply failed to address the dire reality of the flood risks in our region.” 

“This is a great honor,” said Wolk. “Flood protection is one of the most critical issues facing the state, and as California’s population continues to grow we will have to reconcile the pressures of development with the need for adequate flood protection. Fixing a 19th-century flood control system is not enough to prepare us for the 21st century. We must address the ‘disconnect’ between land use and flood management in the floodplain.” 

This year, Wolk championed efforts to prepare and protect Californians from flood risk by passing meaningful flood protection legislation, including three of her own flood protection bills:

AB 1899 would have prevented new housing subdivisions from being built in floodplains unless they have adequate flood protection. AB 802 would have ensured that local agencies consider flood risks before building in flood-prone regions. AB 798, an urgency measure enacted September 28, enables the state to continue paying the majority of ongoing costs for Delta levee projects, making it easier for local governments to afford maintenance and improvement to satisfy urgent needs.

“Next year, I will continue my efforts to pass a comprehensive package of flood protection legislation,” Wolk said. “The people of California want action. They want to know their children, their homes and their businesses are adequately protected. They want to know that the levees standing between them and financial ruin are more than piles of dirt.”

Also a factor in Wolk’s selection for the honor was her protection of the Delta and her 2005 legislation to preserve a stretch of Cache Creek running through Yolo and Lake Counties. The law, enacted January of this year, designated 31 miles of the creek a State Wild, Scenic and Recreational River.

In addition to Wolk, ECOS will also honor Rick Bettis, a retired civil engineer and longtime community activist.

The awards will be presented at a reception, open to the public, which will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the courtyard at 1801 L Street in Sacramento. For more information please visit the ECOS website, www.ecosacramento.net, or call (916) 420-4829.