FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2025
Contact:
Ashley Castaneda, ashley@restorethedelta.org, 209-936-0901
Dozens of Tribes, Delta residents, environmental justice leaders, fishing groups, and conservation advocates unite at State Capitol to demand protection of due process and public trust resources
Sacramento, CA – On August 26, 2025, dozens of advocates from Tribes, Delta communities, environmental justice groups, fishing groups, and conservation organizations held more than 100 meetings at the State Capitol to express collective opposition to the Delta Conveyance Project and Water Quality Plan CEQA Exemption trailer bills.
Participants came from every corner of the state, spanning an age range of over 50 years, united in their call to protect the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary and California rivers. Advocates urged lawmakers to reject attempts to advance the tunnel and excessive water exports and instead support viable, community-based solutions such as local water projects in Southern California.
Throughout the day, advocates learned that the State Water Contractors are advancing a strategy to secure CEQA exemptions for both the Bay-Delta Plan and the Delta Tunnel, with sunset clauses ending only when the projects are completed to their satisfaction. In effect, this strategy—backed by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Governor’s Office—would isolate Tribes and Delta residents from due process rights guaranteed under current law.
Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director of Restore the Delta, stated:
“The Delta is a majority disadvantaged region, with over 70% of residents in the tunnel’s footprint being members of communities of color. Delta Tribes continue to rely on the Delta for food, cultural, and spiritual practices. More than 23,000 small boat fishermen are tied to the health of the estuary. Three thousand Delta agricultural water users have farmed the region for six generations. Together, we support a $7 billion annual economy – and there is no price tag for our Tribal partners for whom the Delta is ancestral territory. The Governor’s answer is a one-time $200 million ‘community benefit’ payment to Delta communities representing 4 million people.”
Barrigan-Parrilla continued:
“This blatant attempt to rewrite the law in order to unceasingly divert Northern California waters for unchecked growth in Southern California is unjust, anti-Californian, and immoral. While the Governor tweets about President Trump’s water policies, he is advancing an equally problematic agenda by helping the State Water Contractors bully one region of the state to gain control over California’s waters – a public trust resource. We call on Governor Newsom to uphold due process, defend public trust resources, and govern on behalf of all Californians – not just those who hold political power.”
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