California Delta Project Facing Approval Challenges

The plan to update the state’s water system has hit a major snag.

1 minute read

December 18, 2018, 1:00 PM PST

By Camille Fink


Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta

Steve Martarano / Flickr

California Governor Jerry Brown wants to build a pair of tunnels to get water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to Southern California. However, the project, called California WaterFix, will not get a certification it needs from the Delta Stewardship Council, meaning it will not have approval before Brown’s departure in January.

The California Department of Water Resources withdrew its petition to the council after feedback that the analysis was lacking, particularly related to climate change and its effect on water usage. Environmental and conservation groups consider the withdrawal a victory. They say the tunnels will remove too much water from the delta and adversely affect fish and wildlife.

The project was supposed to remedy the main problem with the water system: pumps near Tracy, California, that kill fish and cause delta water to flow backward. The result has been rationing of water in the Central Valley, Southern California, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Friday, December 7, 2018 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog