Delta Flows: An Action Packed Year on the Horizon By: Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla

In 2026, our advocacy doesn’t slow down and we’re ready to continue our work to save and restore the Delta. But before describing the myriad of opportunities for advocacy by Californians so far this year, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and express our deepest gratitude to our supporters.  

We are grateful for your generous contributions that you sent to our organization over the last month. Equally important, this year we received a large number of holiday messages, cards, notes, and words of encouragement for continuing with our work. As 2026 marks our 20^th anniversary, your appreciation for our work and our team means more to us than you know. 

We are proud to lead on advocacy, policy, and local programs on behalf of our thousands of supporters who understand the importance of protecting the Bay-Delta estuary and the Delta watershed for future generations. Californians who understand why we must protect the Delta keep us motivated during the months of heavy lifting.  

Your Voices Made a Difference on AB 497

We want to share an important update following our first Action Alert of the year regarding AB 497. 

The bill, which sought to limit the State Water Resources Control Board review and consideration of public comments on the most recent update to the Bay-Delta plan, has been withdrawn. 

This moment shows the power of our collective action and why our work is not over. The strong response from advocates like you made a difference and underscores how deeply important transparency and public participation is for protecting the future of our Bay-Delta community.

We encourage you to stay engaged, informed and ready to speak up again as we hold those with political power accountable.

More on Water and Political Power

This troubling theme of aligning with political power rather than the needs of the people brings us to the State Water Resources Control Board. In response to a request from Restore the Delta and Save California Salmon staff members for a sixty day extension to allow adequate time to respond to the Bay-Delta Plan, Chair Joaquin Esquivel stated that the newly released documents are similar to those issued in July and suggested that stakeholders had likely already reviewed them (paraphrasing). Our team finds this response problematic for several reasons: 

1. The July Bay-Delta Plan was rescinded; 
2. The current release includes new supporting materials;
3. The revisions were issued immediately prior to the holiday break, limiting meaningful review; and 
4. Board staff are participating in the Water Board’s broader effort to limit public participation regarding the Bay-Delta Plan via the legislature in order to advance the “voluntary agreements.” 

Here is how you can help us. Public hearings on the revised Bay-Delta Plan and the “voluntary agreements” will be held January 28^th through January 30^th, beginning each day at 9am. You can register to make public comments either online or in person at the Water Board, located at the Cal EPA Building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. If you are retired, a student, or have a flexible work schedule, we encourage you to pack a lunch, a phone charger, or some knitting, and attend in person. We will send details again later this month. Written comments on the documents are due February 2^nd. You can find links to the Bay-Delta Plan here.

Delta Stewardship Council and Response to the Consistency Determination

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has filed a Certification of Consistency for the Delta Conveyance Project with the Delta Stewardship Council. Restore the Delta, as part of a coalition of Tribes and environmental advocates, has filed a formal appeal challenging the DWR’s certification. This appeal, coordinated by our partners at San Francisco Baykeeper, argues that the project violates state law and poses an imminent threat to Delta communities, its ecosystem and cultural heritage. Our appeal was one of many filed, including those submitted by Delta cities, communities, engineering firms, water districts and residents.

We need as many supporters as possible to turn out in opposition to DWR’s Certification of Consistency. Public participation is critical. We urge individuals to provide public comment to the Delta Stewardship Council about the harm to the Delta’s environment and people that would result from the Delta Conveyance Project.

Appeal hearings will be held on the following dates:

• February 26^th and 27^th, beginning at 9am 
• Location: California Natural Resources Headquarters Building, 715 P Street,
  2nd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814

Public participation in the appeal process is essential to stopping the Delta Conveyance Project.

As we move forward together in 2026, working to restore and protect the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary and its communities, we are reminded of the words of the great Patti Smith: “The people have the power to undo the work of fools.” It is time for everyone who follows our work to roll up their sleeves and become part of that people power.

We look forward to seeing you soon.