Native tribes denied greater say in water decisions with Newsom veto

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Set us as preferred Gov.Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have given Native tribes a greater role in California water policy decisions, saying the state is already making this a priority.

The bill would have directed state agencies to recognize historical inequities affecting tribes, and to consult with them on water projects, plans and policies.Newsom said in his veto message Wednesday that his administration has worked to address wrongs committed against tribes and has prioritized respectful “government-to-government dialogue.” He said, however, that California “must streamline its water policies to protect our water supply from the reality of climate change.”“I am concerned this bill would undermine that imperative,” Newsom wrote.“Adding new sources of uncertainty will delay our urgent fight to secure Californians’ water supplies.”The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José).

It was sponsored by the Karuk Tribe and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, which said state agencies should be required to consider tribes when making water policy decisions.Opponents of the bill included the Assn.of California Water Agencies, which argued it was vague, lacked clear standards, and could expose agencies to more legal disputes and delays.

The California Farm Bureau also opposed the legislation.Malissa Tayaba, vice chair of the Shingle Springs tribe, said the bill was a modest step toward correcting the exclusion of tribes from decisions.“Newsom has shown us that he doesn’t care about tribes,” Tayaba said.“It’s just a real, I feel, slap in the face.” California Tribes and environmentalists are demanding California revise a key water plan, saying the Delta’s ecological crisis is tied to the history of racism.The bill called for state agencies to address “the inequit...