This project should have been done years ago.

This project will take more water from the Sacramento River, increasing stress on failing salmon stocks, increase toxic algae blooms in the Delta and SF Bay, and contribute less than 1% to total California water storage. On the other hand it’s a great subsidy to farming operations that rely on cheap water to grow water hungry crops like almonds and pistachios that mainly get exported to other countries. It’s also great for Southern California lawns.

Safe drinking water for millions of Californians will always win for me.
Please educate me on the subsidies for almonds in the bill.

In California agriculture—mainly big agriculture—uses 40% of available water, residential users just 10%. You and many other folks conserve, to the point that residential use per capita is actually down. Growers, on the other hand, continue to plant water hungry crops like almonds and pistachios. Much of these plantings are for big growers owned by or a part of big hedge fund real estate deals. Ground water is being depleted so they need water from other areas, mainly Northern California. Surprise, they don’t pay cost of development. In effect we subsidize their intemperate use of water by paying for reservoirs, canals, etc. because perish the thought big business should offset all the physical and social costs they incur.

The climate crisis almost dictates that we continue damaging water development’ projects. Salmon is collateral damage. So say goodbye to salmon