Newsom seeks to short-cut process to build $20-billion Delta water tunnel

Governor Gavin Newsom aims to speed up the construction of a $20-billion water tunnel beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. His plan includes streamlining permitting processes and curtailing legal challenges to address water resource management issues exacerbated by climate change and earthquakes. While supported by Southern California water agencies for potentially improving water supply stability, the proposal faces strong backlash from environmental advocates who argue it could jeopardize ecosystems and community welfare and prefer exploring other sustainable alternatives.

Opponents view the project as an expensive boondoggle that would harm the environment and communities, urging the state to explore more viable alternatives.

Newsom emphasized the urgency of the project, stating, "For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape."

Read at Los Angeles Times