Baylen Linnekin writes in Reason about a Napa Valley winery that is suing the county over excessive environmental regulations.
- According to local wineries, Napa county’s environmental rules are burdensome and hinder innovative practices.
- After a 2020 wildfire winemakers have tried to clear burned brush and plant experimental drought resistant grapes, but have faced regulatory hurdles to implement these practices.
- Importantly, these crops and planting methods would make wildfires in the area less damaging while making the local environment healthier.
- Regulations must be smart and unleash the innovation of landowners and the private sector.
“‘If successful, such a dry-farmed vineyard would provide numerous benefits, including increased erosion control with a vineyard that would develop the deep and extensive root growth required to reach water sources in the ground; a substantial protective fire-break guarding the Property’s, and neighboring properties’ structures; a more beautiful view when compared to the barren, burned-out landscape left behind by the Glass Fire; and potentially an economically productive use of the land,’ the suit details.”
Read the full article here.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
