January 21, 2025

President Trump Directs Agencies to Restart Water Infrastructure Plan for California

President Trump has ordered the immediate resumption of efforts by the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation and other federal agencies to route more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Central and Southern California. The directive seeks to revive plans from the President’s first term, which aimed to improve California’s water infrastructure and provide a reliable supply for regions impacted by drought and wildfires. The President criticized the prior halt of these efforts, citing the diversion of water into the Pacific Ocean to protect Delta smelt and other fish species. The administration has set a 90-day deadline for progress updates and recommendations to ensure the plan’s swift implementation.

Click here for the full executive order.