In actuality, operation of the DCP will reduce the monthly average water flow to the Delta in nearly all months, especially in drought, and even in wet years. Given current insufficient flows have led to an ecological crisis in the Delta, further reductions in water flow will cause inevitable and unreasonable harm to fish and wildlife and to other beneficial uses that impact communities throughout Northern California. Reducing freshwater flows and further starving the estuary is not a “compelling public interest” as noted in the letter by Governor Newsom.
Referring to the DCP, Newsom says that “California’s prosperity depends on it.” Yet, California’s prosperity will not benefit from a more than $20 billion project that will be footed by tax payers and Southern California water rates. Local officials that rely on the State Water Project are becoming increasingly aware that they do not need the Delta tunnel to achieve water resilience.
The idea of a tunnel persists and each past iteration has been struck down because it is not the right solution for California. The governor continues to exaggerate the benefits while minimizing the real cost of the DCP — a devastated Delta that disadvantaged and marginalized communities depend on for the benefit of those with privilege, wealth and power.
Statement from Malissa Tayaba, Vice Chair for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians:
“Just because the Governor thinks the Delta Conveyance Project is worthy does not mean it should be approved. Tribes, Delta communities, environmental and fishing organizations and others opposed to the project have valid concerns. We need a better solution that improves tribal water access and the health of the largest estuary on the West Coast."
Statement from Gary Mulcahy, Government Liaison for the Winnemem Wintu Tribe:
"Why does Governor Newsom continue to think Californians and Tribes are stupid. There is nothing about the Delta Tunnel Project that significantly benefits anyone except Big Ag and south of the Delta water agencies, while putting endangered species, tribal cultural resources, and disadvantaged communities and the viability of the S.F Bay-Delta itself at risk."
Statement from Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director for Restore the Delta:
“The Delta’s fishing, recreation, and agriculture industries contribute $5 billion to California’s economy each year. Sacrificing our communities and environment just to replenish overdrawn groundwater supplies is a failure of both economic and environmental planning. Governor Newsom is selling out Northern California to benefit Southern California, but governing isn’t about choosing winners and losers – he’s supposed to represent all Californians.”
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