Tunnel Vision: Gov. Newsom’s Ambitious Water Plan Divides Californians – AP 12/13/23
Jon Rosenfield, science director for San Francisco Baykeeper, said California already diverts more than half of the water flowing through Central Valley rivers for farms and big cities, which threaten native species of fish.
“The science clearly demonstrates that fish need increased river flows to survive, but state agencies are ignoring it,” Rosenfield said. “Chinook salmon, steelhead, longfin smelt and other fish that have thrived here for millennia cannot survive the Newsom administration’s assault on San Francisco Bay and its watershed.”
Delta Counties Say Final Environmental Impact Report for the Delta Conveyance Project is Deficient and Won’t Address Climate Change – Delta Counties Coalition 12/13/23
In response to the Department of Water Resources’ release of a final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Delta Conveyance Project through the Sacramento‐San Joaquin Delta, Patrick Hume, Chair of the Delta Counties Coalition (DCC), made the following statement on behalf of the five jurisdictions that would be most negatively impacted:
“This tunnel project described in the Final EIR continues to be based on last century thinking and merely moves water from the north to the south without adding any new water to the system. It is a deeply flawed plan that does not improve statewide water supplies and would harm the Delta, the region, and California’s economy.
This 16‐year, $16+ billion ratepayer‐funded mega project would no doubt cause grave environmental and ecological impacts in the Delta. It would also have negative economic, social, and security impacts on California residents in the Bay‐Delta region and beyond – especially those in underserved communities where water quality and quantity are at stake.
Even though it is portrayed as a climate project, the tunnel would not provide a resilient and reliable statewide water supply or address the reality of climate change and years of extended droughts with sporadic flood events. In fact, this disastrous tunnel project would not provide a new source of water to our already over‐drafted system. Tunnel proponents are also using scare tactics by claiming that the tunnel would protect water supplies in the event of an earthquake, when there has been no evidence that past earthquakes have caused damage to existing water infrastructure.
If this Administration and past Administrations had focused their efforts on sensible water solutions rather than a massive multi‐billion tunnel project that won’t provide new water supply, California would be in a much better place today to safeguard residents from the impacts of climactic conditions…”
Democrats have a trust problem in the Delta – Politico 12/13/23
…The governor has, in recent days, reaffirmed his support for a 45-mile underground tunnel that would move water under the Delta south into the system that provides water to 27 million residents. His stance has reignited opposition from Delta residents, environmentalists, the fishing industry and tribal communities.
…Newsom’s administration will likely have a tough time getting buy-in from Delta communities that are already struggling with intruding saltwater from the San Francisco Bay and toxic algae blooms, which have damaged the farming and fishing industries.
Restore the Delta note: The way the current Delta tunnel is being proposed will be an obsolete “climate” project as soon as it is built. We need more sustainable solutions that won’t degrade the Delta environment and the various communities that reside here, such as floodplain restoration, while also reducing reliance on Delta water exports and to build up more regional resilient water solutions like stormwater capture.
Support our work in 2024!
Our next generation staff is expanding on the sturdy foundation that we have built together — to lead and respond to a future that we cannot fully imagine. Much in the same way my parents set the stage for me with their example of community engagement, we are doing the same with our staff, interns, and next generation leaders in partnering organizations, teaching by example.
With your continued support, we can empower our next generation leaders to protect and improve the Delta for the future, to deal with environmental complexity, to resist bad plans for water and resource management, and to build healthy communities and genuine sustainable economic opportunity. They are learning when and how to resist the idea of water and resource extraction for special interests at the expense of the region.
Your tax-deductible year-end gift to Restore the Delta will enable us to expand and solidify the work we started together in 2006 at a kitchen table, with sixty supporters, a laptop, and a cell phone. It will enable us to keep building a top-notch nonprofit organization to advocate for the environmental health and wealth of the region. You can donate here, or mail a check along with this form to 2616 Pacific Ave #4296, Stockton, CA 95204.
Delta Co-Op – Space Available
Restore the Delta has workshare space available for environmental and social justice organizations and positive environmental/sustainable businesses! Located in Stockton, near the Port of Stockton and I-5, our facility includes a conference room with hybrid meeting capability, ample parking, multiple kitchens, bathrooms, and great partner organizations to collaborate with on a regular basis. We also offer a large community meeting room.
The Delta Co-Op has 4 workstations available presently with access to all facilities and storage (designated closet/cabinet areas) for $300 per month. Our community meeting room is also available to rent for specific events and includes a kitchenette. The community meeting room can be rented for $300 for 8 hours or $150 for 4 hours.
Contact Mariah Looney today to learn more about the Delta Co-Op and to schedule a tour. Mariah can be reached at Mariah@restorethedelta.org, or 209-479-2559.
Restore the Delta has new merch!
Restore the Delta is excited to announce that new merch is available! Shop for the holiday season for family, friends, and loved ones who share a fondness of the Delta!
