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DWR defends Delta Conveyance trailer bill; lawmakers press on bonding, CEQA and tribal concerns
Summary
Department of Water Resources officials told a Senate budget subcommittee that trailer bill language aims to speed permitting and litigation for the Delta Conveyance project, while senators and local representatives warned the changes risk sidestepping judicial review, altering water rights and shifting costs to ratepayers.
The California Department of Water Resources on Tuesday defended trailer bill language tied to the Delta Conveyance project that Department officials say would streamline permitting and shorten litigation timelines, while senators pressed the agency on bond authority, water-rights implications and impacts on Delta communities.
The Delta Conveyance provisions in the governor’s May revision would add judicial "streamlining" rules and clarify revenue-bond authority for the project. "We anticipate litigation on this project," Department of Water Resources Director Carla Namath told the Senate Budget Subcommittee, adding the administration's aim is to secure "a speedy decision through the courts" and reduce delay-related costs.
The issue matters because the project is among the state’s largest planned water infrastructure efforts and has drawn sustained legal challenges. Opponents say the trailer bill uses the budget process to enact major policy changes that merit stand‑alone legislation and public debate.
DWR counsel Chris Butcher told the committee the proposed litigation timeline…
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