The recent executive order signed by President Trump targets water supply increases for the Central Valley agricultural sector, reverting regulations from his prior administration. While the order mentions wildfires as justification, critics argue it primarily serves the interests of San Joaquin Valley farmers. Environmental advocates express concerns that the order could accelerate ecological degradation in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The Delta, impacted by a century of water diversion, faces potential collapse, further threatening protected fish species under the Endangered Species Act, casting a shadow on the balance between agricultural needs and environmental protection.
Although the order cited devastating wildfires in Los Angeles as its rationale, it stands to primarily benefit San Joaquin Valley farmers.
"What this order does is maximize water supplies to the extent consistent with statutory authorities, and that is certainly something that I think makes imminently good sense."
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