Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposal aims to expedite the Delta Conveyance Project, a 45-mile water tunnel to modernize California's aging water infrastructure.
• The plan includes eliminating permitting deadlines, narrowing legal reviews, and accelerating land acquisition to reduce delays and costs.
• Supporters, including major water agencies, argue the tunnel is essential for climate resilience, seismic safety, and securing water for 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland.
• Environmental and fishing groups strongly oppose the project, citing concerns over ecosystem damage, threats to salmon populations, and harm to Delta communities and farmland.
• The Legislature is currently reviewing Newsom's proposal, which includes bond funding to be repaid by participating water agencies rather than the state's general fund.