Federal Agencies are proposing contradictory directives that will expand demonstrably ineffective species management approaches despite longstanding scientific recommendations to pursue comprehensive, holistic approaches. Water users confronting higher water bills, less delivered water, and a collapsing estuary, will be expected to shoulder the costs of continuing these narrow band management approaches.
Water Suppliers, two months after the completion of the Bureau of Reclamation’s water operations plan, that would have provided modest relief to some areas following abundant winter storms, have sent a letter to Secretary Jewell and Secretary Pritzker.
Members of Congress have also written a bipartisan letter to the Departments of Commerce and Interior seeking relief from the contradictory bureaucratic directives, requesting coordination, among the various agencies, and an explanation on how the decisions were made. In a statement regarding the letter, Congressman Jim Costa called on the Agencies to “Reexamine harmful actions” and noted that “FWS and NMFS must start making operational decisions based on the best available science, decisions that properly consider impacts on other endangered species and communities in the Central Valley and are ultimately consistent with the intended purpose of the Central Valley and State Water Projects.”
Letter from Water Suppliers:
(Open larger in a new window)Letter from members of Congress regarding contradictory water management actions:
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