Geographical equity and regional resource management: Water management in southern California

In this paper I critically engage with the concept of geographical equity in order to reexamine notions of sustainable development and environmental justice. Although asserting a need to examine geographical equity considerations in greater detail in respect of the current environmental debate, it is argued that these always need to be examined in parallel with other dimensions of equity which underpin both sustainable development and environmental justice. Using the case of water management in southern California during the 20th century, I examine examples of intraregional and interregional cost transference which arise from water exports to meet urban development demands. Although clear evidence of cost transference exists, the most appropriate practical means for reducing or compensating these remains unclear.