Senator Feinstein, Senator Boxer, Congressman Costa and Congressman Garamendi have sent a letter to Tom Howard, Executive Director of the State Water Board, asking him to consider deferring any decision regarding Delta pumping until at least until at least March 21st, a proposal they describe as an ‘extraordinarily far-reaching proposed order prioritizing water deliveries throughout the State.’ Additional time is needed, the legislators say, to allow affected parties to fully understand the proposal and develop possible alternatives.
It is their understanding, they say, that a decision could be made as soon as next week that could cut back all Delta water pumping for agriculture and refuges in order to try and achieve enough carryover storage at the end of September to protect public health and safety should the dry conditions continue next year.
“We are aware that the Board faces difficult decisions in balancing all beneficial uses of water,” they write. “However, we are very concerned that if the current proposal as reported to us is enacted, it will have significant near- and long-term effects on the California economy and, more importantly, will not achieve the desired water supply security intended by the proposal.” More time is needed to gather data and input before making such a momentous decision, and they point out that the recent rains will provide a window of opportunity for all affected parties to work with the State Water Board to assess viable alternatives.
“The potential of stopping all pumping out of the Delta for agriculture and refuges, except when there are high runoff flows, is of deep concern to water contractors, both north and south of the Delta who have been hit by one piece of bad news after another,” the legislators write.
“This final order must be formulated with great care so that its burdens to not unduly fall on those who have already had to give up a great deal.”
Read the full letter here: Feinstein Boxer Costa Garamendi to SWRCB 030514 FINAL
