GSSA Helps Block Salmon-Killing Bills
GSSA led the successful effort to stop two bills backed by big water interests that would have greatly harmed the salmon we fish for. Along the way, GSSA members helped by contacting their state representatives. And we got help from key state legislators who took the time to hear us out and decided to help.
A Blank Check to Take More Water
The first bill, AB 2215 (Assemblymember Lisa Calderon), would have handed over new rights to a huge volume of water from Central Valley salmon rivers to the massive proposed Delta tunnel, with no oversight on how many salmon and other wildlife would die as a result. This would have given a blank check for new diversions and carved out an exemption to state laws protecting salmon.
More Diversions From Salmon Rivers
The second bill, AB 2026 (Assembly Cecilia Aguilar-Curry), would have given Central Valley water users permission to divert more water from salmon rivers, even when doing so would harm salmon. We can understand and support diverting water during truly wet periods, when river flows are higher than what salmon need. But this has to be done carefully. By contrast, this half-baked bill would have even allowed increased pumping during droughts.
Central Valley water users are single-mindedly focused on corralling as much water as they can, no matter the harm it will cause. California’s salmon runs can’t absorb more of this kind of destruction.
More Water for Crops California Already Has Too Much Of
It’s a painful irony that this effort is largely designed to deliver more water to agriculture. Today, overproduction has driven almond and grape prices way down. What California needs is more salmon, not more surplus almonds.
GSSA Members Answered the Call
These bills could have become law but for the vigilance and hard work of the Golden State Salmon Association, which is looking out for the interests of Californians who fish for salmon and appreciate the natural environment the state has been blessed with. We asked you, members, to help, and you heard the call. Thank you.
Legislative Allies Who Stood Up for Salmon
We also offer special thanks to Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee chairman Josh Becker (San Mateo County) and Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limon (Santa Barbara). These legislators – both from fishing communities – listened to the voices of GSSA and our many allies and insisted on changes. These legislative leaders were central to the decision by both authors to withdraw the bills – for this year.
This campaign worked – but you can be sure this won’t be the last time legislation will threaten salmon with new water grabs.
A Victory for Salmon — But the Fight Isn’t Over
You can be sure this won’t be the last time legislation like this threatens salmon. When it happens again, GSSA will be there—and we’ll need our members, supporters, and allies in Sacramento standing with us.