Fierce Debate as California Changes Course in Central Water Hub

California regulators voted late Thursday to approve a major new plan that changes how water is pumped out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The Delta is the heart of California's water system, providing water for nearly 30 million people and 4 million acres of farmland. The five-member State Water Resources Control Board passed the plan 4-1 after two days of debate with more than 200 people speaking. Supporters say the plan helps keep water flowing for cities and farms while also helping the environment. But many environmentalists, fishermen, and Native American leaders say it will harm rivers and push already struggling fish closer to extinction.

The new plan is called the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes program. Instead of requiring all water agencies to follow the same rules about how much water they can pump, the plan lets agencies make their own deals with the state. Under these deals, called voluntary agreements, water agencies promise to support certain river water levels and pay for projects that restore fish habitat. Dozens of local water agencies have already signed these agreements and started working on restoring wetlands and floodplains.

Governor Gavin Newsom supported the plan, and so did many water agencies that supply farms and cities across the state. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which delivers water to 19 million people, called it 'a landmark achievement.' State officials said the agencies involved have pledged $2.9 billion for the program, and most of that money will go toward restoring habitat for fish. They also said the plan calls for restoring about 20,000 acres of floodplain habitat and more than 5,000 acres of tidal wetlands.

Many people who spoke at the Sacramento meeting were strongly against the plan. Environmental groups, fishing advocates, and Native American leaders argued that cities and farms would be allowed to take far too much water from the Delta. They said this would harm threatened and endangered fish species, including Chinook salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, longfin smelt, and Delta smelt. Jon Rosenfield of San Francisco Baykeeper called the plan 'an extinction plan.' Barry Nelson of the Golden State Salmon Association called it 'a scam' that would make the Bay-Delta ecosystem worse.

Native American leaders were especially upset about the plan. Malissa Tayaba, vice chair of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, told the board: 'You are on the wrong side of history, and we will prevail.' A Native student named Emoni Durham also spoke out, saying the state cares more about politics than about the tribal people who have long cared for the land. Board Chair Esquivel said the plan does recognize tribes' rights to water and calls for a tribal advisory committee, but critics said tribes were left out of the behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Not everyone in the water industry supports the plan either. The Trump administration said the plan would hurt farmers by limiting how much water can be pumped. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said it won't take part unless the plan is changed, putting hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding at risk. Westlands Water District, the largest irrigation authority in the Central Valley, also said it plans to pull out of the program, arguing the final plan broke promises made in 2022 agreements.

The last big update to the Bay-Delta management plan was made back in 1995. The new eight-year plan takes effect next year, and regulators plan to review it every year using scientific data. If a water agency fails to keep its promises, the state can put it back under the old, stricter rules. State officials say climate change makes it important to try a new approach, since droughts and warming temperatures are putting more pressure on California's water system.

Some speakers also raised concerns about how the state has handled water decisions more broadly. Critics pointed out that about 80% of all diverted water in California is used for farming, and large amounts of almonds and pistachios are exported overseas. Others criticized a recent $180-million deal to buy water from a Northern California farm, calling it a bad use of taxpayer money. Governor Newsom has also pushed for large new water projects, including a proposed 45-mile tunnel beneath the Delta. The debate over how California manages its water is far from over.