In a revealing commentary published by Maven’s Notebook, Eric Buescher of San Francisco Baykeeper and Chris Shutes of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance criticize Governor Newsom and other political figures’ efforts to push through the multi-billion dollar Sites Reservoir project despite extensive evidence that it would seriously harm waterways and ecosystems, a conclusion reached by the...Read More
The hard work and dedication from our Mormon Slough Restoration Association, volunteers, community members, local partners and Restore the Delta Staff, by Flood and Land Restoration Manager Artie Valencia, was covered in a recent article by Lois Henry in SJV Water. Our Mormon Slough restoration efforts are driven by a broad coalition including local organizations,...Read More
This week, experts provided witness testimony before the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Administrative Hearings Office, debunking arguments that the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP) will not further degrade water quality in the Delta. Key testimony by Dr. David A. Caron, Professor at the University of Southern California, Associates Captain Allan Hancock Endowed Chair in Marine...Read More
Last week, AB 2218, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, unanimously passed the California State Assembly, a move toward ensuring state water policy aligns with Tribal rights, stewardship, and justice. The bill seeks to address a water rights system that excludes Indigenous People as lawful water users, despite their longstanding role as the original stewards of California’s...Read More
In a striking op-ed published today by the Sacramento Bee, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director at Restore the Delta, argues that the Delta Tunnel is on track to become California’s next High Speed Rail project, a massively expensive project that fails to deliver on its promises. In the piece, Barbara notes that the Department of Water Resources...Read More
Coverage of the coalition of environmental, Tribal, and fishing organizations calling for a Water Renaissance in California continues to grow. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the plan, which prioritizes local water supplies such as stormwater capture, water recycling, and groundwater cleanup, would reliably yield more and cost far less than the proposed Delta Tunnel project. As UCLA scientist...Read More
On Wednesday, a coalition of Tribal leaders and environmental organizations, including Restore the Delta, released the Water Renaissance Plan, a new roadmap to shift California away from expensive, unreliable water imports toward local, sustainable solutions that deliver affordable, reliable water supplies. For decades, California has relied on moving water long distances across the state, harming ecosystems and leaving...Read More
For Immediate ReleaseMay 20, 2026 ContactNina Erlich-Williams, nina@publicgoodpr.comO: 510-336-9566, C: 415-577-1153 Plan identifies specific strategies for developing drought-proof water supplies in SoCal by 2045 that will generate significantly higher yields than projections for the Delta Conveyance ProjectBay-Delta Region and Los Angeles, Calif. – In an online press conference today, leaders from conservation groups and Tribes announced the release of...Read More
The California Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to advance Dorene D’Adamo’s reappointment to the State Water Resources Control Board despite vocal opposition from Tribal, environmental, and fishing groups. Critics accused D’Adamo of favoring powerful agricultural and water interests, arguing during the hearing that those groups have had outsized influence over the Bay-Delta Plan process, while Tribal and...Read More
In a CalMatters piece published today, Rachel Becker outlines the major obstacles facing efforts to revive the Delta Tunnel project. Even as Governor Newsom claims the state is “closer than ever” to completing it, significant hurdles remain, including a massive price tag, unclear financing plans, pending critical water rights decisions, and a lack of commitments from water...Read More
