New Governor Erases Previous Governor’s Delta Twin Tunnel Plan
Big California environmental news: Gov. Gavin Newsom kills Jerry Brown's controversial $19 billion Delta twin tunnels plan, says he supports scaled-down, one-tunnel project instead https://t.co/vZzrNh9qqQ #delta #cawater pic.twitter.com/JLqWczhnkF
— Paul Rogers (@PaulRogersSJMN) February 12, 2019
California Governor Gavin Newsom today canceled out the highly debated Delta Twin Tunnels water plan concocted by his predecessor, Jerry Brown. Here’s more from Paul Rogers of the San Jose Mercury News, including comments from Newsom about his preference for a single tunnel. Environmental critics have cited the threat this project – an easier way to divert water to Southern California – could have on native endangered salmon, smelt and other fish species:
One of the most contentious water projects in recent history, supporters, led by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in Los Angeles, said the plan would allow water managers more flexibility by taking large amounts of water during wet periods, avoiding limits on pumping when endangered fish such as salmon and smelt are near the pumps.
But critics, led by most of the state’s environmental groups and political leaders from the Delta counties, called it a huge water grab by Southern California that would worsen water quality in the Delta and San Francisco Bay, and saddle ratepayers in San Jose, Los Angeles and other urban areas with rate increases to pay for water that would be used by large corporate farms in the Central Valley.
Here’s some more social media buzz on Newsom’s plans:
Absolute Must-Read: David Bernhardt, former Westlands lawyer, working to strip Delta Smelt protection as fish nears extinction @RestoretheDelta @ggsalmon #DeltaTunnels #JerryBrown #BigAg #DeltaSmelt #CAwater #CAWaterFix #notunnels https://t.co/Bc82QUPfV3
— Dan Bacher (@DanBacher) February 12, 2019
Gavin Newsom is scaling down Schwarzenegger's high speed rail, Jerry Brown's Delta tunnels and Donald Trump's border deployment.
— Adam Ashton (@Adam_Ashton) February 12, 2019
#BREAKING: @SenBillDodd supports Newsom's plan to reduce Delta tunnels project, saying in statement: "I applaud his [Newsom's] opposition to the flawed twin-tunnels project. I look forward to a productive year under his leadership."
— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) February 12, 2019
Newsom not shying away from California's toughest issues in #SOTS2019 : High speed rail, Delta tunnels, clean water, etc.
— Joe Garofoli (@joegarofoli) February 12, 2019
Reminder on the Delta tunnels – govt agencies have already spent a decade sorting out the permits for two tunnels. A single tunnel could mean starting all over. #cawater
— Lauren Sommer (@lesommer) February 12, 2019