In a recent government meeting, Molly Green from San Francisco Baykeeper raised urgent concerns regarding the dewatering of the Lower Merced River, highlighting the detrimental impact on native fish species and their habitats. Green emphasized that excessive water diversions and insufficient summer flow requirements have led to prolonged dry conditions in the river, which were first reported by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2022.

Despite these alarming conditions, Green criticized the State Water Resources Control Board for its inaction, which she argued violates several federal and state laws designed to protect water quality and aquatic life. She outlined multiple legal obligations, including the need for the board to establish water quality objectives that safeguard the river's ecosystem, as mandated by the Clean Water Act and California's Fish and Game Code.

Green's testimony underscored the board's responsibility to ensure that water management practices do not jeopardize the viability of native fish populations, particularly in light of ongoing relicensing processes for two major hydroelectric dams. She called for immediate action to implement summer flow requirements to protect these species from further decline.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of Green's comments, indicating ongoing engagement with the issue. The situation remains critical as stakeholders await the board's response to the pressing environmental concerns raised.