By Michael Doyle -- WASHINGTON — Fifteen high-powered scientists have now begun their politically sensitive review of key California water decisions.With Central Valley farmers and environmentalists watching closely, the newly formed National Research Council panel must move quickly to meet an initial March deadline. The scientists also must catch up with some long-running controversies, as most committee members come from outside California.“Water is the single most important resource in California, and is in conflicting demand by municipalities, agriculture and the environment,” research committee member James Anderson noted Monday, further warning that “this conflict will only continue to increase.” The National Research Council is the direct research arm of the National Academy of Sciences.

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