Temporary Victory: California Senate Rejects Delta Tunnel Budget Power Grab

Source: Restore the Delta
Contact: Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, barbara@restorethedelta.org

Sacramento, CA – Restore the Delta is celebrating a significant win for communities, the environment, and the democratic process. Today, the Senate Budget Subcommittee rejected the Delta Conveyance Project trailer bill package and reversed $351.7 million in proposed funding for the Voluntary Agreements.

This decision reflects growing concerns among legislators about the costs, legality, and rushed process behind the tunnel plan. It’s a strong signal that the Legislature will not allow environmental protections, public input, or fiscal responsibility to be cast aside for a massive, unworkable project.

“This is a huge win for the Delta, for California’s rivers, and for democratic process,” said Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director of Restore the Delta. “Legislators rightly stood up for public process, environmental review, and fiscal responsibility.”

Restore the Delta thanks the many thoughtful legislators who raised red flags, our supporters and partners at Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Golden State Salmon, SF BayKeeper, Sierra Club CA, Resources Renewal Institute, Friends of the River, Defenders of Wildlife and others who mobilized quickly, and our staff who worked tirelessly to expose the risks buried in the trailer bill language.

While we know these proposals may return in policy committees later this year, today we celebrate a crucial victory in the fight to protect the Bay-Delta and all Californians who depend on it.