Alternate 'Delta Plan' Presented to Delta Stewardship Council

June 13, 2011

Los Angeles, CA – The Delta Stewardship Council, mandated by the 2009 Delta Reform Act to develop a comprehensive plan for repairing the deteriorating Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta), will release today the fourth staff draft of its Delta Plan. Having voiced concern regarding the direction and content of previous drafts, a broad coalition of statewide interests, including the Southern California Water Committee, has taken a bold and important step forward to develop an Alternate Delta Plan and, in a letter today to the Delta Stewardship Council, request that it be considered as part of the Delta Plan’s environmental review process.

SCWC Executive Director Rich Atwater released the following statement:

“The Southern California Water Committee is committed to participating actively and productively in the Delta Plan process. Our organization supports the important mandate and work of the Delta Stewardship Council, and recognizes the significant work completed to date. However, we, along with regional and statewide stakeholders, have voiced concerns about the current direction and scope of the Delta Plan.

We believe that success for the Delta Plan this year is imperative, and that’s why we joined with a broad coalition of water, business and agricultural leaders to provide the Delta Stewardship Council with an Alternate Delta Plan and are requesting its inclusion in the environmental review process. This alternative addresses many of the crucial issues that existing Delta Plan drafts do not. It lays out incentives – rather than just regulations and other state requirements – to improve water use efficiency; it facilitates cohesion with the Bay Delta Conservation Plan; and it confronts the challenges of storage, conveyance and water supply reliability head on. 

Our organization has always been a voice for consensus and collaboration on the all-important issue of fixing the Delta is a key priority. We look forward to continuing in that role as we work together to preserve the environment and improve water supply reliability in the Delta.”

Richard Atwater
Executive Director
Southern California Water Committee