FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2025
Contact:
Ashley Castaneda, ashley@restorethedelta.org, 209-936-0901
Stockton, CA – A coalition of Tribes, environmental justice organizations, fishing groups, conservation advocates, and Delta communities successfully stopped a package of Delta trailer bills that would have had disastrous consequences for the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary.
The proposed trailer bills would have given unlimited bonding authority to the Department of Water Resources for the Delta Conveyance Project, fast tracking of DCP construction, elimination of administrative record access, and elimination of public participation for the so-called “Healthy Rivers and Landscapes” Program, also known as the “voluntary agreements,” an effort to place more water in the Delta tunnel.
This win marks a turning point for the coalition, which has spent decades working to protect Delta flows, fisheries, water-based economies, and communities against the proposed 45-mile-long, six-story-wide water tunnel.
The coalition is now advancing new water plans for California rooted in local job creation, sustainability, affordability for ratepayers, and the restoration of the Delta and the state’s watersheds. Advocates are calling for an immediate end to the $1 million-per-day DCP planning process, funded by ratepayers and taxpayers, and a return to fact-based Delta water management—rather than secretive deals between the state and water districts. These backroom agreements have already cost hundreds of millions of dollars and are unenforceable with a federal administration that is operating Delta pumps according to its own plans.
Quotes from Coalition Leaders:
“Today we celebrate another crucial victory over the destructive trailer bills that would have robbed us of our water and culture. We thank legislative leadership and members of the legislature who stood firm on behalf of California tribes and Delta communities. We also appreciate the solidarity and cooperation of many other people and organizations that came together to beat back this attempted water grab once again. Our tribe remains committed to securing and implementing meaningful protections for tribal water uses, and we will continue to advocate in the legislature, at the Water Board and elsewhere to achieve them.”
Vice-Chair Malissa Tayaba, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
“In this day and age, with the current state of things, it is good to see that ‘checks and balances’ and the voice of the people can still prevail. To the fellowship standing on the bridge and shouting, ‘Thou Shalt Not Pass’, and the army of clear minded thinkers supporting them, we say, thank you.”
Gary Mulcahy, Government Liaison with the Winnemem Wintu Tribe
“We applaud our legislative leaders for standing firm against bad legislation designed to facilitate water deliveries to unsustainable corporate agriculture and irresponsible desert development. In an era of unchecked lawless behavior from fascists and racists at the highest levels of the federal government, it is refreshing to see the state legislature stand up to executive branch overreach.”
Max Gomberg, Senior Policy Advisor, California Water Impact Network (CWIN)
“By rightfully abandoning these backroom deals, the legislature is standing strong for Californians. While this may not be the last attempt to fast-track the Delta Conveyance Project and undermine the Bay-Delta Plan update, residents can breathe a little easier today. Defenders will continue to advocate directly to the State Water Board for strong, science-based water quality standards that protect the Delta for all. As salmon populations continue to decline, algal blooms wreak havoc, and our federal government cherry picks its compliance with environmental laws, we hope the legislature and the State Water Board will continue to lead our state towards a resilient water future.”
Ashley Overhouse, Water Policy Advisor, Defenders of Wildlife
“Governor Newsom may not trust Californians to make the right decisions about our state’s water supplies, but thankfully the legislature has more faith. The administration’s proposed trailer bills would have made it harder for Californians to challenge inefficient, expensive and damaging water projects like the Delta Tunnel. Legislative leaders in the State Senate and Assembly, and an amazing coalition of activists, deserve our thanks for refusing to move these bills forward, ensuring that the people of our state will get the chance to have their voices heard in shaping how water will be managed and ensure that rate payers, communities, water quality and the environment are protected in the future from unnecessary costs, climate-driven water supply disruptions, worsening water quality, and the extinction of our unique native California fish and wildlife.”
Gary Bobker, Senior Policy Director, Friends of the River
“Golden State Salmon Association and our partners thank the legislature, and particularly Senate president pro Tem McGuire and Speaker Rivas, for rejecting these reckless and cynical trailer bills. Californians deserve solutions that restore rivers, protect jobs, and honor our heritage—not schemes that will be remembered as the moment California turned its back on its people and its salmon.”
Scott Artis, executive director, Golden State Salmon Association
“California has to stop the growing practice of jamming immensely important policy matters through last minute budget bill deals with no transparency. Matters as complex and important as the health of the Delta ecosystem and the sustainability of California’s water supplies require the full legislative process and open public discourse, and we greatly appreciate the legislature’s resistance to the two delta budget proposals that were forced upon them here.”
Matthew Baker, Policy Director, Planning and Conservation League
“Today shows that organizing works! We can win against the big money corporate interests, whose priority is to put profits over people. Our coalition is strong, united, and ready to carry this momentum to lead to a future that encapsulates a water equitable California.”
Scott Webb, Director of Advocacy, Resource Renewal Institute
“Our grassroots coalition of Tribes, community-based organizations, conservation groups, environmental justice groups, and California voters came together these past few months with a clear message: Californian’s will not stand for the circumvention of environmental law and the sacrifice of our communities to appease the powerful few. The legislature heard our message, and delivered on their promise to raise the voices of California voters by rejecting these problematic Delta Trailer Bills. We are filled with a renewed sense of hope as we continue to advocate for better, sustainable water management for ALL of California.”
Morgen Snyder, Policy Manager, Restore the Delta
“We’re relieved and grateful that the leadership of the state Senate and Assembly stood up for San Francisco Bay’s clean water and the communities that depend on it. Now Governor Newsom’s ill-conceived and fiscally irresponsible water proposals — which would accelerate damage to struggling fish and wildlife populations, fishing businesses, and riverside communities– will need to comply with state laws governing clean water, borrowing authority, and public disclosure. These bad proposals can’t withstand the light of public scrutiny and we know that far better ideas for California’s water security can emerge from a valid public process.”
Eric Buescher, Managing Attorney, San Francisco Baykeeper
“We are thrilled for this moment of justice in which Governor Newsom’s attempts to circumvent the legislative process have been thwarted. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, teams, and allies around the state, the Delta Conveyance Project will not be able to use loopholes to push its way through this year. The health of the Bay Delta ecosystem, and the communities who rely on it, will face one less threat this year. Senators McNerney, Allen, Blakespear, Assemblywoman Wilson, Senate Pro Tem McGuire, Speaker Rivas, and the entire Delta Legislative Caucus deserve a huge thank you for their commitment to the Bay Delta and water sustainability.”
Miguel Miguel, Director, Sierra Club California
“Newsom’s trailer bill aimed at exempting water quality control plans from the California Environmental Quality Act are an admission that his “Voluntary Agreements” cannot withstand environmental review. What good are environmental safeguards when they simply get ignored to expedite bad decisions?”
Peter Drekmeier, Policy Director, Tuolumne River Trust
Contact Ashley Castaneda at ashley@restorethedelta.org for interviews.
###