The Legislature has unanimously approved SB 872, Senator Jerry McNerney’s bill to establish the Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund.
The measure creates a framework for securing state, federal, and private investment to address two growing threats to California’s water system: aging Delta levees and land subsidence that is reducing the capacity of the State Water Project. The bill received rare support from both environmental advocates and water agencies, demonstrating a shared commitment to protecting California’s water future.
SCWC Executive Director and CEO Charley Wilson applauded the bill’s passage, stating:
“The Southern California Water Coalition applauds Senator McNerney and the Legislature for the unanimous passage of SB 872. This is the kind of action and collaboration California needs to protect the water infrastructure that millions of people, businesses, and communities depend on every day.
More than half of California’s nearly 40 million residents live in Southern California, and our communities and economy depend on reliable and affordable water. Protecting the Delta’s levees and addressing subsidence that has reduced the capacity of the State Water Project are not simply regional issues. These are investments in a statewide water system that supports our communities, economy, agriculture and environment.
California does not lack knowledge about its water challenges. We know our infrastructure is aging, we know where many of the vulnerabilities are, and we know many of the investments that need to be made. The unanimous support for SB 872 shows what is possible when we move beyond the old North-versus-South water debates and focus on solutions that benefit the entire state.
Passing SB 872 is an important step. Now we need to finish the job. We encourage Governor Newsom to sign the bill and the Legislature and Administration to provide the funding necessary to put it to work. Reliable water infrastructure is not simply a cost—it is an investment in California’s future. The urgency is real. Now we need to turn that urgency into action and deliver results.”
Read the press release from Senator Jerry McNerney’s office HERE.
The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) – established in 1984 – is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources.