THOMPSON CONDEMNS PRESIDENT’S PLAN TO PUMP WATER OUT OF THE DELTA

Washington - Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) issued a statement and joined Representatives John Garamendi (CA-08), Ami Bera (CA-06), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Doris Matsui (CA-07) in condemning Acting Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Scott Cameron's plan to siphon additional water out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

"The decision by the current administration to increase the amount of water pumped out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is reckless and harms our agriculture, environment, and local communities," said Thompson. "California's water management is complex and relies on both the State and Federal government managing these systems in coordination. With the administration deciding to pump more water south of the Delta without coordination with the State, it will increase salinity in the Delta hurting agriculture producers, drive up water utility costs for local communities and threaten endangered species. No one in our community benefits. The President needs to stop this plan and stop hurting people, agriculture, and wildlife."

Thompson also joined his colleagues in warning Acting Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Scott Cameron that the proposal would endanger California's water supply, disrupt coordinated operations between state and federal agencies, and weaken environmental protections across the region.

"Management of California's water supply must not choose between winners and losers. All Californians and the vibrant communities that call the Delta home deserve a water supply plan that priorities solutions over partisan games," said the Representatives. "Unfortunately, rather than striking a fair balance between Californians, farmers, and wildlife, Action 5 could cause irreparable harm to Delta communities and ecosystems."

"The Delta Counties Coalition appreciates the delegation's efforts to ensure that changes to federal water project operations in the Delta are thoroughly reviewed and coordinated. Our Coalition continues to support efforts to provide reliable water supplies to Californians while also protecting Delta communities and the Delta ecosystem," said the Delta Counties Coalition.

Read the full letter here.