Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg is trying to push through a water package (the five proposed bills that are now moving into the conference committee process) that would reshape California water policy. The similarities between this backroom water deal , which has left Delta communities and fishing representatives out of the process, and energy deregulation are startling. The proposed package would allow the legislature to give up their authority on oversight and costs regarding future decision regarding the Delta (including new conveyance) to a seven member appointed council, with six of the appointees coming from outside the Delta.

The Council would have the authority to authorize the construction of the peripheral canal, a project that is estimated to cost between 10 and 40 billion dollars before environmental mitigation costs. The canal, a 48-mile long ditch comparable in size to the Panama Canal, won't make more water for California. It will just ship water from the north to Western Central Valley Agribusiness - at the expense of Delta fisheries and Delta family farmers.

Even though Senator Steinberg didn't author the legislation, his partipcation in moving it through the building leads us to ask the following:

1) Why is he selling out Sacramento (his district) to send water to Western Central Valley Agribusiness?

2) Why isn't he protecting the Delta?

3) Why is he willing to spend so much money on a peripheral canal that won't make more water?

4) Does he think what's in the water bond doesn't matter because it won't get funded? Doesn't he know that Californians want permanent solutions for the state budget and water management practices?

There are better ways in terms of cost and environmental effectiveness to make more water for California, such as water recycling, floodplain restoration, groundwater cleanup and desalinization, stormwater capture and reuse. This needs to be the center of California's water policy, especially in an era of excessive deficits.

Please contact Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg to make clear your displeasure with his promotion of this water package. His Capitol office number is (916) 651-4006.

Restore the Delta staff have known intuitively for some time that their calls for breaking dependence on Delta water exports through regional water self-sufficiency programs have resonated well with the public. Nonetheless, there comes a time when one must quantify one's assertions. Consequently, the following letter and poll results were sent to all legislators this morning from Restore the Delta.

Dear Legislator:

Attached you will find a copy of a statewide voter survey on water issues conducted on behalf of Restore the Delta by EMC Research of Oakland, CA. EMC Research conducted 800 telephone interviews among registered voters statewide in California from August 23-27, 2009.

The poll indicates that while voters are concerned about water and ensuring a long-term reliable water supply is a "very high priority," all segments of voters are strongly opposed to a Peripheral Canal and very close to half oppose a bond for new dams, reservoirs or other water infrastructure projects.

It is clear there is very little support among the electorate for many of the elements included in the 2009 legislative water package.

As the data clearly indicates, voters appear poised to reject the legislation should it appear before them in 2010 either directly (in the form of a bond) or indirectly (as the result of a referendum, for example.)

We hope this information is of value to you as you consider the 2009 legislative water package.

Sincerely, Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla

Kathryn Gray, a friend of Restore the Delta, has done a first rate job evaluating what is happening currently with legislation (and driving the legislative process). Its title "The Water Privateers" exemplifies what is wrong with California's water policies and politics. Click here to read the article.

Our friends at the California Sportfishing Protection have initiated an excellent letter writing and petition campaign. Make your voices heard with your legislators; let them know what is wrong with this water package. Click here to see how you can participate.

Restore the Delta is a charitable 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible.

Click on the button below to go to our secure PayPal account.