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Rep. Garamendi & California Dems Condemn Trump’s Plan to Pump Water Out of the Delta

December 16, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative John Garamendi (CA-08) led Representatives Ami Bera (CA-06), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Mike Thompson (CA-04) in condemning Acting Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Scott Cameron’s plan to siphon additional water out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

“I have fought my entire career to defend the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta,” said Rep. Garamendi. “Instead of implementing science-backed methods that safeguard our water supply, Reclamation’s plan prioritizes partisan politics over California’s communities and farmers. Pumping even more water out of the Delta in the middle of worsening droughts isn’t just reckless—it threatens the livelihoods of the people who live and work here, undermines the region’s fragile ecosystems, and jeopardizes the long-term health of our state’s water infrastructure. Californians deserve better than political stunts masquerading as water policy.”

In the letter, the Representatives detailed how Reclamation’s proposal would endanger California’s water supply, disrupt coordinated operations between state and federal agencies, and weaken environmental protections across the region. 

“Management of California’s water supply must not choose between winners and losers. All Californians and the vibrant communities that call the Delta home deserve a water supply plan that priorities solutions over partisan games,” said the Representatives. “Unfortunately, rather than striking a fair balance between Californians, farmers, and wildlife, Action 5 could cause irreparable harm to Delta communities and ecosystems.” 

The Delta Counties Coalition appreciates the delegation’s efforts to ensure that changes to federal water project operations in the Delta are thoroughly reviewed and coordinated. Our Coalition continues to support efforts to provide reliable water supplies to Californians while also protecting Delta communities and the Delta ecosystem.” 

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Issues: Environment