"Gov. Gavin Newsom and some of California's major water agencies hit a setback this week when a proposal to fast-track plans for a 45-mile water tunnel beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta died in the state Legislature. Newsom has been trying to streamline legal and environmental review of the proposed water tunnel through budget measures that also would give the state authority to issue bonds to pay for the project."
"Delta lawmakers said they were pleased that the governor's proposal failed to move forward in the final days of the legislative session. Sen. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) called it a "major victory for California and the Delta." "The tunnel project not only would devastate much of the Delta region, but is also unaffordable and unnecessary," McNerney said. "It's very expensive. It's very damaging to the environment.""
"The State Water Contractors, an association of water agencies, said the governor's proposal would streamline review, reduce costs and prevent unnecessary delays, but that it was "caught up in the crush of high-profile legislative activities," at the end of the session. "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 constructi"
A proposal to accelerate planning and allow state bonds for a 45-mile water tunnel under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta failed to move through the Legislature this session. Governor Gavin Newsom sought to streamline legal and environmental reviews and authorize financing through budget measures. Delta lawmakers and Sen. Jerry McNerney praised the setback, calling the project unaffordable, environmentally damaging and unnecessary. State water agencies said the measures would reduce costs and delays but were overtaken by other legislative priorities. Supporters plan to try again, and Newsom could renew efforts before his term ends in early 2027.
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