Newsom's Push to Fast-Track Delta Tunnel Fails, Moving Fight to High-Stakes Hearing | KQED

"Newsom's trailer bill could have streamlined water rights and other aspects of the project, which his administration estimates could cost $20 billion. In June, Newsom tried to tie similar bills to the passage of the state budget, but legislators pushed those plans out. He continued to call on the Legislature to ease the permitting process, but his administration failed to get it passed during this legislative session. The Newsom administration did not respond to KQED's request for comment."

"The State Water Contractors association of public water agencies, among the supporters of the tunnel project, said it would have helped save its customers millions of dollars and vowed to support legislation next year. "Even if action is delayed this year, the need for modern delta conveyance has never been greater, and the sooner we are able to make a decision on construction, the less that construction will cost," said Jennifer Pierre, general manager of the State Water Contractors."

"Californians for Water Security, a coalition of dozens of local governments, family farms, labor unions and business groups, said they are "disappointed that the negotiations" stalled. The group said the tunnel project could have captured enough water during last year's atmospheric rivers "to meet the needs of 9.8 million people." Newsom said the tunnel is imperative for adapting the state to a hotter and drier climate that could result in a 10% reduction in water by the 2040s."

Legislation intended to streamline permitting and water rights for a proposed Delta tunnel stalled during the legislative session, delaying plans tied to an estimated $20 billion project. Attempts to link similar bills to the state budget in June failed when legislators rejected those measures. Supporters, including the State Water Contractors, say streamlined rules would save customers millions and pledged to pursue legislation next year. A coalition of local governments, farms, labor and businesses said the tunnel could have captured enough water during recent storms to meet the needs of 9.8 million people. Newsom frames the tunnel as necessary for adapting to hotter, drier conditions and anticipates a 10% water reduction by the 2040s.

Read at Kqed