California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for accelerated progress on a project aimed at redirecting more water around the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to benefit farmers and urban areas. This initiative is a key component of his revised budget proposal announced recently.
Why the Rush?
Newsom asserts the urgent need to move beyond obstacles and complete this vital infrastructure project promptly. The goal is to enhance water storage capabilities and improve water management systems to address the challenges posed by an increasingly arid climate. In his statement to POLITICO, Newsom emphasized, “Let’s expedite the construction process to better prepare for the anticipated warmer, drier conditions ahead.”
The proposed project has undergone several iterations over the past fifty years, evolving from a canal to a twin-tunnel system. Throughout its history, the project has faced opposition from environmental activists and local Delta officials concerned about ecological impacts and construction-related disruptions.
Legislative Action
Newsom is urging state legislators to pass a trailer bill that would expedite the legal review process for lawsuits challenging the project. Additionally, the bill aims to streamline the water rights permitting process by eliminating specific construction and water usage deadlines.
The estimated $20 billion Delta Conveyance Project, spanning 45 miles through the deteriorating Delta region, is considered essential for California’s climate adaptation strategy. With water supply reductions projected to reach 10% by 2040, Newsom views the completion of this project as a critical milestone. His target is to secure all necessary permits before the conclusion of his term in early 2027.
Furthermore, Newsom is actively showcasing his administration’s efforts to bolster water storage and supply capacities in response to repeated appeals from former President Donald Trump for increased water allocations in California.
Challenges and Controversies
While Newsom successfully shepherded an infrastructure streamlining package through the legislature two years ago, the Delta Conveyance Project was notably absent from the final bill. This omission followed intense opposition from environmental groups and Delta representatives. The legislation stipulated that any lawsuits under the California Environmental Quality Act must be resolved within 270 days by the judiciary.
Currently, the State Water Resources Control Board is embroiled in a protracted hearing to determine the revised water rights for the project. Environmental and tribal organizations are locked in a legal battle with the Department of Water Resources, the designated overseeing agency for the project, demanding transparency regarding historical water usage data. Recently, these groups petitioned the Water Resources Control Board to suspend the hearing unless the requested information is disclosed.
