Dear friends,
As the 2026 legislative session comes to an end on August 31, we write to share some important updates.
Last night AB/SB 113 language was released. The budget language included:
- $75 million for projects in the Delta that improve existing levees for the purposes of flood protection and climate resiliency;
- Of that total, $30 million is designated to the Special Projects Program and Flood Control Subventions Program.
Thanks to your calls and emails, the language did NOT include:
- Streamlining measures for any elements of CA Forever’s Shipbuilding project, OR
- Exemptions to fast-track the construction of the Delta Conveyance Project.
We applaud the legislature for pushing back on harmful trailer bills this year.
But our fight is not over yet.
We still need Governor Newsom to sign AB 2218 and SB 872 into law.
Support AB 2218
On February 19, 2026, Assemblymember Kalra introduced AB 2218, the Indigenous Water Rights Bill sponsored by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and the Karuk Tribe.
AB 2218 would establish a clear statewide policy directive acknowledging and seeking to remedy the inequities inflicted upon Tribes in California through historical state-sanctioned acts of termination, removal, and forced assimilation.
The bill directs relevant state agencies, including the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Board, to incorporate this policy into water rights decisions, regulatory actions, permitting, and grantmaking to address identified inequities. Recognizing historic harms and directing state agencies to center Tribal equity in water policy is not simply a symbolic act; it is a pathway toward stronger relationships, more inclusive decision-making, and better outcomes for the ecosystems we all depend on.
Two Easy Ways You Can Take Action:
1. Call the Governor at (916) 445-2841 urging his signature on support AB 2218.
Please call the Governor’s Office and tell them:
- As a constituent, I urge you to sign AB 2218 into law..
- AB 2218 supports the State’s progress towards equitable water management.
- AB 2218 is an important step toward addressing inequities affecting California Native American Tribes in state water policy and ensuring Tribal interests are meaningfully considered in decisions affecting water.
2. Alternatively, you can also write to the Governor’s Office, asking for their support on AB 2218.
- Click this link to send a comment urging the Governor’s Signature on AB 2218.
Support SB 872
On January 6, 2026 Senator McNerney introduced SB 872, the Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund.
SB 872, would create a dedicated fund to address two major threats to California’s water supply: aging levees in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and sinking State Water Project (SWP) canals. These funds would help protect our existing infrastructure from the threats from a changing climate, protecting drinking water supply, Delta ecosystems, and communities from flood risk.
We need your help! SB 872 moves to the Governor’s desk for signature, and we need your help to move this bill into law.
Two Easy Ways You Can Take Action:
1. Call the Governor at (916) 445-2841 urging his signature on support SB 872.
Please call the Governor’s Office and tell them:
- As a constituent, I urge you to sign SB 872 into law
- You support advancing legislation that prioritizes safeguarding California’s water supplies, protecting critical infrastructure, and preparing the state’s water system for future challenges.
2. Alternatively, you can also write to the Governor’s Office, asking for their support on SB 872.
Click this link to send a comment urging the Governor’s Signature on SB 872.
