Reps. Jim Costa, Adam Gray Call on Trump, Newsom for Bipartisan Action on Central Valley and State Water Projects

WASHINGTON – In light of recent executive orders at the federal and state levels, U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Adam Gray (CA-13) are calling on President Trump and Governor Newsom to work together to address the long-term operations of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP).

“Rather than engage in years of endless litigation, our desire is that through collaborative efforts we can work together to incorporate a common-sense regulatory structure that promotes solutions that better capture water through increased storage and enhanced conveyance infrastructure,” said the lawmakers. “This regulatory structure should strike an appropriate balance between species protection and water supply, supported by sufficient adaptive management to respond to both new science and changing weather conditions.”

BACKGROUND
California’s water challenges have long been marred by regulatory uncertainty and contentious litigation, especially the biological opinions that affect water allocations. For the San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, these regulatory fluctuations have had serious consequences for water availability, harming farmers and communities that rely on consistent water deliveries.

Rep. Costa’s letter emphasizes the need for a common-sense regulatory structure that promotes collaboration between local water stakeholders, state officials, and federal agencies. By focusing on solutions that increase water storage capacity and enhance conveyance infrastructure, Costa and Gray argue that California can create a more resilient water system better prepared to address future drought conditions.

See the full text of the letter HERE.