By Charley Wilson, Executive Director of the Southern California Water Coalition
In response to: Newsom’s Budget Trailers are a Planned Attack on the Delta
For years, the Delta Conveyance Project has been a target of relentless delay tactics, obfuscation, and misleading scare campaigns designed to derail this critical water infrastructure upgrade. Opponents have repeatedly employed false narratives and misinformation—not grounded in science or fact—to confuse the public and stall progress. California’s water future cannot afford such tactics.
The reality is clear: California’s aging water delivery system is increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic failure from earthquakes, floods, and rising sea levels. Without modernization, over 27 million residents and the state’s agricultural economy face an unacceptable risk of water shortages. The Delta Conveyance Project is the only viable path forward to secure reliable, safe water supplies in the face of climate change and growing demand.
Yet, despite the project’s robust environmental protections—developed in close consultation with scientists and regulatory agencies—opposition groups continue to peddle scare tactics about ecological harm. These narratives ignore the extensive habitat restoration efforts embedded in the project design and the state’s commitment to ongoing environmental stewardship.
Worse still, these groups have consistently obstructed progress by spreading confusion about community benefits. The project’s $200 million accountability plan for Delta communities directly counters these claims, demonstrating a real investment in local economies and quality of life.
This pattern of delay and deception is not new. It has stalled progress on essential water infrastructure for decades, putting California’s water security at risk. The state cannot let misinformation and obstructionism jeopardize the future of its water system.
The Delta Conveyance Project is a carefully designed, science-based solution that addresses California’s water challenges head-on. It is time to cut through the falsehoods and opposition-driven delays and support this vital investment in our state’s resilience, economy, and environment.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maven’s Notebook.
