# Plain Language Summary: Stop the Delta Tunnel Act

This bill would block the federal government from approving a major water tunnel project in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Delta Conveyance Project is a proposed tunnel system designed to move water from the northern part of California's delta region to the south, where it would supply water to millions of people and agricultural areas. Right now, water moves through a complex system of old canals and channels, and the project's supporters argue a modern tunnel would be more efficient and protect fish populations. The bill would prevent the Army Corps of Engineers—the federal agency that typically approves such water projects—from issuing the environmental permit needed to move forward with construction.

The practical effect is straightforward: if this bill passes, the Delta Conveyance Project cannot happen, at least not without Congress changing the law again. This matters because California has been debating this project for years, with strong disagreements between different groups. Some farmers and water agencies want the tunnel built because they believe it would give them more reliable water supplies. Environmental groups and some local communities oppose it, arguing it could harm the delta ecosystem and won't actually solve California's water problems. The bill essentially takes sides in this debate by using federal law to shut down the project permanently.

For most Californians, this would likely mean the state continues relying on its current water system rather than getting the modernized infrastructure the project would provide. Whether that's good or bad depends on your perspective—supporters of the bill see it as protecting the delta environment, while opponents worry it leaves California's aging water infrastructure unchanged during a time of increasing drought concerns.

Stop the Delta Tunnel Act

Harder, Josh

Stop the Delta Tunnel Act This bill prohibits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) from issuing a federal permit that would be necessary to build the proposed Delta Conveyance Project in California. Specifically, the USACE may not issue a Section 404 permit (i.e., a permit that allows for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters) for the project. The USACE published a draft environmental impact statement in December 2022 about the project, which involves constructing new California State Water Project diversion and conveyance facilities in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Delta Conveyance Project includes an underground tunnel to deliver water south of the delta.