FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2022
Contact: Michael Blenner, michael.blenner@sierraclub.org
Department of Water Resources Releases Draft Environmental Impact Report on The Environmentally Destructive Delta Conveyance Project
Sacramento, CA - Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) released its Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Delta Conveyance project (aka Delta tunnel) a proposed tunnel project that would significantly harm the important biodiversity of the Bay-Delta region, and cost California taxpayers between $16-40 billion. The DEIR examines the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Delta tunnel. The public has the opportunity to provide a comment on the document until October 27, 2022.
Sierra Club California has opposed the Delta tunnel and previous iterations. The project would cost between $16-40 billion, with 65% of the tab picked up by Southern Californians living in the Metropolitan Water District, and cause mass destruction for Delta communities and ecosystems during both construction and operation.
In response, Brandon Dawson, Director of Sierra Club California, issued the following statement:
“Sierra Club California strongly believes this flawed project is incredibly wasteful. Climate change continues to impact the state’s hydrology, and there is no certainty as to the amount of water that will be available for the project when it’s completed. We will be closely examining the DEIR alongside our environmental partners for new information on the anticipated impacts of the project for frontline communities, Tribes, and the vital ecosystem of the Bay-Delta.
We encourage the Newsom administration to fully shift the DWR’s attention to sustainable water management efforts that are environmentally beneficial and will work to build regional resilience, including conservation, efficiency, recycling, and stormwater capture.”
Sierra Club California is the legislative and regulatory arm of Sierra Club’s 13 local chapters in California, representing half a million members and supporters.