Fierce debate as California changes course in central water hub

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Set us as preferred For some, it’s a solution to ensure reliable water for millions of Californians while protecting fish and the environment.For others, it’s a travesty that will deprive the state’s rivers of vital water and push its declining native fish closer to extinction.A controversial plan that dramatically changes how the state governs the pumping of water out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta — the heart of the state water system — was adopted by California regulators late Thursday after two days of debate involving more than 200 people.The plan adopted by the five-member State Water Resources Control Board breaks from the traditional approach of requiring all water agencies to limit pumping to maintain required minimum levels of water in rivers and the estuary.

Instead, it allows agencies the option of negotiated deals in which they commit to ensuring certain river flows for the environment and contribute funds for projects that restore habitat for fish in the Delta.Dozens of local water agencies have signed these so-called voluntary agreements and have begun investing in projects to restore wetlands and floodplains along rivers.This approach, which state officials call the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes program, was endorsed by Gov.

Gavin Newsom and supported by water agencies that serve farms and cities, as well as business groups.“This is a paradigm shift,” California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot told the board during Thursday’s hearing.“This is the most durable, balanced way to meet the moment of what we have to do, which is restore environmental conditions in a way that protects water security for California communities.” Climate & Environment The Trump administration and Westlands Water District are objecting to California’s water plan for the Sacramento-San Joaq...