Overview
- Bureau of Reclamation unveiled Action 5 to increase Central Valley Project exports from the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, and the change takes effect immediately.
- Interior officials say the update will maximize deliveries to San Joaquin Valley farms and communities while maintaining protections for endangered species.
- California water and wildlife agencies warn the plan could harm salmon and other fish and could require the State Water Project to scale back supplies for 27 million residents.
- Major agricultural districts, including Westlands and the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, endorsed the decision and estimate 250,000 to 400,000 acre-feet of additional water annually.
- The new operations replace last year’s cooperative rules and reignite a federal–state conflict that previously led to courtroom battles over Delta pumping.