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Newsom orders increased water capture efforts in California

“Governor Newsom’s Executive Order Aims to Maximize Water Capture During Winter Storms: Environmental Groups Express Concern”

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a significant step in water management by signing an executive order aimed at maximizing the capture of water during winter storms. The order, issued on Friday, is intended to make it easier to divert and store water as storms bring rain and snow in the coming days.

In a statement, Newsom emphasized the importance of recharging groundwater supplies, especially as Northern California anticipates rain and snow. He highlighted the need to boost water supply for communities and farms throughout the state by utilizing every opportunity to store water effectively.

However, environmental and fishing groups have criticized Newsom’s order, likening it to directives from former President Trump. Barry Nelson, a policy representative for the Golden State Salmon Association, expressed concerns that the governor’s approach could harm vulnerable fish species and the ecosystem of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

On the other hand, water suppliers have voiced their support for Newsom’s order. Cathy Green, president of the Association of California Water Agencies, praised the measures for empowering water managers to divert excess water to recharge groundwater supplies and mitigate flooding impacts.

The executive order instructs the Department of Water Resources to maximize diversions of excess flows during winter storms to store more water in reservoirs like San Luis Reservoir. It also calls for identifying and addressing any obstacles that could hinder diversion efforts and promptly reporting on regulatory barriers that may need suspension.

State officials believe that Newsom’s order will facilitate the capture of storm runoff to replenish groundwater, which has been depleted due to overpumping in many areas. The governor’s water supply strategy aims to prepare for a projected 10% decrease in the state’s water supplies by 2040 due to climate change.

Despite the support from water suppliers, conservation advocates have raised concerns about the potential impact of the order on fish species and clean water in the Delta and San Francisco Bay. Jon Rosenfield, science director for San Francisco Baykeeper, criticized Newsom for allegedly waiving state laws that protect the environment in favor of diverting more water.

The debate surrounding Newsom’s order reflects ongoing tensions between the governor’s administration and environmental groups in the Delta. Disagreements over water management projects, such as the proposed water tunnel beneath the Delta, have fueled opposition from environmental groups, tribes, and local agencies.

As California grapples with water management challenges and ecological concerns, Newsom’s executive order has sparked a contentious debate over the balance between water supply needs and environmental protection. The governor’s decision to prioritize water capture during winter storms has drawn both praise and criticism, underscoring the complex issues at the intersection of water policy, environmental conservation, and agricultural interests.

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