Newsom’s Framework for Central Valley Water Agreement Shows Promise

(SACRAMENTO, CA – Feb. 4, 2020) Gov. Gavin Newsom released a framework today to move negotiations forward on a Central Valley water agreement involving water flows and habitat restoration in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the rivers that feed it. The negotiations are part of a nearly decade-long effort to update the water quality control plan for the Delta.

“Reversing the long legacy of water overuse in the Central Valley and decline of Delta and Central Valley ecosystems is going to require unprecedented collaboration and compromise. Additional analysis is still needed and many hurdles still must be overcome before we can support a final agreement. That said, we are cautiously optimistic that the administration’s framework can become a solid step in a collaborative effort to build a more resilient future for California’s ecosystems and water supply.

EDF is willing to stay at the negotiating table for now in an attempt to reach comprehensive agreements that include strong enforcement provisions and sufficient water flow and habitat restoration. These elements will be critical to delivering long-overdue improvements for fish and wildlife in the Bay-Delta and Central Valley.”

• Maurice Hall, Associate VP, Ecosystems – Water, Environmental Defense Fund