Yesterday, the Bureau of Reclamation finalized a Record of Decision that updates the long-term operations for California’s Central Valley Project. The move is expected to impact water distribution across the state.
Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the decision, stating: “Through this record of decision, the Trump administration is unleashing critical water deliveries to the agriculture-rich Central Valley while maintaining safeguards for endangered fish species. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Burgum for their commitment to common-sense water management on behalf of families and farms in Central California.”
The changes outlined in the Record of Decision are consistent with existing Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements and will affect how water is supplied throughout California. The decision supports President Trump’s Executive Order 14181, which aims to provide additional water resources in California and improve disaster response measures.
The Department of the Interior reports that these operational modifications could result in an increase of up to 180,000 acre-feet per year for the Central Valley Project and up to 220,000 acre-feet per year for the State Water Project. Specific adjustments include changes to Delta export operations, removal of certain habitat actions during summer and fall in the Delta region, and eliminating early export-reduction strategies from California’s Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program.
