From the Delta Counties Coalition:
The Delta Counties Coalition (DCC) issued the following statement in response to AB 2215 (Calderon) failing passage in the Senate Natural Resources Committee. The bill aimed to extend the Department of Water Resources’ water rights permits outside of the traditional review process, which typically requires justification, public input, and regulatory approval. This would have removed a major check on the Delta Tunnel project, creating a side-door path to advance the project without full regulatory accountability.
“The Delta Counties Coalition thanks the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and legislative staff for their thorough and reasoned review of AB 2215 (Calderon) re State Water Rights Permits. This proposal raised serious concerns about granting special treatment and would have bypassed long-standing water rights protections and removed public oversight. By insisting on reasonable amendments that ultimately lead to the author pulling the bill from committee consideration, the Legislature reaffirmed the importance of a fair, transparent water rights process that applies equally to all. Maintaining that integrity is essential to protecting the Delta, ensuring accountability, and preserving public trust in how critical water decisions are made. We are grateful to legislative leaders and staff for their careful analysis and for ensuring that all projects—regardless of size or sponsor—are held to the same standards that protect Delta communities, our environment, and California’s water resources.”
The Delta Counties Coalition, a consortium of five Delta Counties, including Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo, is working to give one voice to the Delta, advocating on behalf of local government and the 4 million people throughout the Delta region. Learn more by visiting the DCC website.
