Delta, Environmental, Fishing, and Tribal Groups Unveil Alternative Water Policy

**To view the recommendations and a copy of the letter, please visit http://www.ejcw.org/10-8-09%20Coalition%20Letter-1.pdf


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 9, 2009
Contact: Lindsay Martin (for Restore the Delta) (916) 444-8897

Delta, Community, Environmental, Fishing, and Tribal Groups Unveil Alternative Water Policy Solutions



Sacramento – Today Restore the Delta, along with groups representing Delta, local community, environmental, fishing and tribal organizations that care about the California Delta, sent a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger, Senate Pro Tem Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Bass recommending sensible water policy solutions to the state’s eminent water problems.

The letter, initially signed by twenty-three organizations says, in part: “Water is a fundamental resource essential for a healthy population, environment, and economy. Without equitable and sustainable management of California’s water resources we face an uncertain future particularly in the face of climate change. At stake in all of this is the fate of the Bay-Delta ecosystem – the most important estuary on the west coast of both Americas…The biological significance of the Bay-Delta is unparalleled. Future generations will judge us harshly if we do not act wisely now to save it and the fish and wildlife, the farms and the communities it supports.”

Attached to the letter was a set of policy recommendations endorsed by the signatories.

The letter continues, “We believe that implementation of these policies will put California on the right track toward a resilient water system founded on a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the precious water resources we are privileged to have.”

The proposed policy recommendations fall into three categories: values-driven management; reform of existing agencies; and sustainable financing. Reforms in these areas will generate more savings in the short-term – both in implementation and outcomes – as well as produce a reliable water supply for the state in the long-term.

Key provisions of the water policy recommendations include:

· Regional self-sufficiency
· Energy Efficiency
· Water Quality
· Conservation
· Impacts on the Delta Community, Farmers and Fisherman
· Reform of existing agencies
· Balanced financing

The letter and recommendations were signed by:

California Sportfishing Protection Alliance
California Coastkeeper Alliance
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
California Water Impact Network
Clean Water Action California
Community Water Center
Southern California Watershed Alliance
Desal Response Group
Sierra Club California
California Striped Bass Association
Environmental Justice Coalition for Water
The Fish Sniffer
Food and Water Watch
Friends of the River
Heal the Bay
Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations
Planning and Conservation League
Restore the Delta
The Sierra Fund
Urban Semillas
Winnemem Wintu Tribe
Green LA
Butte Environmental Council
Foothill Conservancy
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