Delta Policy Package and Water Bond Stalled For Now

An ambitious plan to rush through complex Delta water policy legislation and a budget-busting water bond fell apart on Sept. 11 a few hours before the California Legislature recessed for the fall. But the Delta bill and bond will likely return.

Conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats alike balked at approving a 142- page bill introduced the evening of September 11 that few had an opportunity to read. Furthermore, the $800 million annual price tag for the proposed 30-year water bond caused misgivings as California continues to suffer from a chronic budget deficit and a recession-crippled economy. Public employee unions, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), joined with Friends of the River and other conservation organizations in opposing the bond.

Friends of the River and its allies worked into Friday evening urging legislators to oppose the water bond and shelve the complex Delta policy bill for further consideration later in the legislative year. Nearly 1400 supporters, 700 hand written letters from members on FOR outings and 700 emails during the 48 hours of bill consideration, sent their concerns to their state legislators urging a “go slow” approach to the Delta policy package, opposing the water bond, and encouraging proven conservation solutions over building ineffective dams.

Although there were many positive aspects to the proposed Delta policy package (which prompted some conservation groups to support the policy bill while opposing the water bond), Friends of the River was particularly concerned that the legislation could lead to the construction of a controversial Peripheral Canal around the Delta that could be as long and as wide as the Panama Canal.

Friends of the River and other conservation organizations oppose the dam funding part of the water bond because the proposed dams are costly and will produce little additional water, particularly during drought. Public investments in water conservation, reclamation, and improved groundwater management are far cheaper and produce far more water.

These bills could be reconsidered in a special legislative session to be called by the Governor this fall or when the Legislature returns from its normal fall recess in January 2010.

To learn more about the proposed Delta water package and water bonds, which may resurface during the next legislative session, visit: www.friendsoftheriver.org/waterbond and www.friendsoftheriver.org/waterbills