A key California Senate subcommittee has rejected Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to fast-track the $20 billion Delta Conveyance Project via the state budget. Senators on Budget Subcommittee 2 voted against including the tunnel plan in the 2025–26 budget, following Senate and Assembly leadership’s decision to strip the proposal earlier.
The proposed 45‑mile Delta Conveyance Project would divert water from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta southward, serving cities and farms. Rising inflation has driven estimated costs from $16 billion in 2020 to over $20 billion, though proponents say $1.2 billion is earmarked to offset environmental harm.
Senator Jerry McNerney (D‑Pleasanton), a subcommittee member and Delta Caucus co‑chair, applauded the vote for preventing “significant harm” to the region and emphasized that sweeping initiatives shouldn’t bypass proper legislative scrutiny. Assembly member Lori Wilson (D‑Suisun City) echoed the sentiment, branding the Delta Conveyance Project “deeply flawed” and accusing the administration of scant justification and insufficient fiscal responsibility.
Lack of clear rationale for urgency
The Legislative Analyst’s Office has warned the governor’s fast‑track push lacks a clear rationale for urgency or fiscal prudence. Subcommittee approval (3‑0‑1) sent the project back to the standard legislative process, with the full Senate Budget Committee and both legislative chambers poised to vote on the budget this week — absent any fast‑track language.
The Delta Conveyance Project faces widespread resistance from more than 100 legislators, local governments, environmental and tribal groups, and businesses. Critics advocate for less costly alternatives—such as levee restoration, water recycling, and groundwater storage—to bolster water security without disrupting Delta communities.
Originally conceived over 60 years ago during the “water wars,” the Delta tunnel remains one of California’s most divisive infrastructure ideas. While supporters tout its role in climate resilience and seismic safety, opponents contend it would exacerbate ecological decay and water inequity in Northern California.
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Timeline: Delta Conveyance Project (and predecessors)
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1957–1960s – Trans‑Delta/Peripheral Canal era: Initial proposals for diversions around the Delta (e.g., peripheral canal), political resistance halted progress
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2008–2014 – Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP): Combined habitat restoration and twin‑tunnel water conveyance; stalled after EPA objections
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2015–2019 – California WaterFix: Rebranded twin‑tunnel project; withdrawn in 2019, but planning resumed for a single tunnel
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2019 – Newsom’s one‑tunnel plan: DWR formed a design authority and began planning a single tunnel
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2020–2022 – Environmental reviews: Public scoping began in January 2020; draft EIR/EIS released mid‑2022
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Dec 8 & 21, 2023 – Final EIR & DWR approval: California approved the Delta Conveyance Project; formal adoption by DWR
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Feb–Apr 2024 – Water rights petition & permit updates: DWR filed diversion changes; NEPA draft EIS underway; permitting set through 2026
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May 2025 – Fast‑track budget push: Newsom urged fast‑tracking through budget trailer bill; swiftly rejected by subcommittee
