A group of California lawmakers representing the Joaquin River Delta region of Mount Sacramento said Tuesday they would fight Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to build a $20 billion water tunnel, believing the project posed a threat to its region and would put millions of California paying higher water bills.

Newsom said Tunnel Project As climate change shrinks California’s snow and changes timing of runoff, it is crucial to improve water reliability. But Democratic lawmakers criticized the news agency Latest suggestions The project is allowed by short circuits and limits the pathways of legal challenges to speed up the steps to build a 45-mile tunnel.

“Fast tracking of the Delta transport project is a direct attack on environmental integrity, economic stability and public trust in our region,” said Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), an illustration at the Collection Museum. “We unite against this project, not only because it threatens what it is to destroy, but because of what it represents, it is a process of silencing the local voice.”

Wilson and other members of the Delta Caucus are Press Conference In the Capitol. They said the project would damage farmland, communities and ecosystems in the delta and would put a huge financial burden on taxpayers in Southern California.

They said the recent estimated cost is $20.1 billion, which could be even higher.

“The project must be paid by taxpayers who are already expensive utility costs, not even knowing how this will affect their costs in their pocket books,” said state Sen. Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton). “The project will set a precedent for bypassing the establishment of good environmental laws.”

The tunnel will transport water from the Sacramento River to state pumping facilities on the southern side of the Delta, where supplies enter the aqueduct of the state water project and deliver to 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland, including parts of the Central Valley.

Supporters of the program, including water agencies in Southern California and Silicon Valley, said the state needs to build new infrastructure in the delta to protect water supplies facing climate change and earthquake risks.

Opponents, including agencies of Delta and environmental advocates, say the project is an expensive and clumsy that can harm the environment and communities and that the state should seek other alternatives.

Legislators have called for different types of water solutions, including investment in projects to recycle wastewater, enhancing water storage and rebuilding aging embankments in the delta to protect freshwater supplies and reduce earthquake risks.

Newsom will serve from 2026 to 2026 and then leave the office. Tunnel Project It is crucial to the future of the country.

The governor said his latest proposal would simplify the permit by eliminating certain deadlines in the water rights permit. A narrow legal review to avoid delays in legal challenges; confirm the state's right to issue bonds to pay for the project, which will be repaid by the water agency; and accelerate state efforts to build land.

The Governor's approach is part of his latest budget proposal, Commented by supporters of the project and the managers of the water agency, they say this will reduce regulatory and legal uncertainty.

Charley Wilson, executive director of the nonprofit Southern California Water Alliance, said the state’s water program’s ability to reliably deliver water is declining, while demand continues to rise.

"If we don't take action, Southern California will lose 10% of our water supply from the state water project," Wilson said, calling the project the best way to offset those losses.

Graham Bradner, executive director of the Delta Transportation Design and Building Bureau, said the governor’s proposal would “save years of delays and possible billions of dollars in costs by removing unnecessary obstacles.”

But lawmakers say they will fight Newsom's attempt to fight the fixation process.

“The governor demanded a blank check, no fee cap, no meaningful oversight, and even no committee hearing,” said state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon (D-West Sacramento). “What we have before us is a proposal that aims to advance this in the death of the night without public oversight or input.”

Cabalton stressed that the public will eventually pay for the project.

“The real threat here is the monthly water bill for residents across California,” Cabalton said.

McNaney said he hopes the lawmakers “do a good job of gathering the Senate opposition.”

"There will be a big objection. It will be a voice. It will be harsh," he said.

The project is supported by Southern California Water leaders who are considering investing in the project.

In December, the board of directors in Southern California’s Metropolitan Waters voted for spending $141.6 million to take up a large share of preliminary planning efforts. The area provides water to 19 million people and it will not be decided until 2027 whether to invest in building tunnels.

Legislators spoke next to leaders of the environment against the project, fishing and tribal groups. Malissa Tayaba, vice president of the Miwauk Indian Wood Springs band, said the project would harm the region and its tribes.

"It seems like the Governor's news, our culture, our ancestors and the value of maintaining our environment is much lower than the ability to over-raising water from rivers to send more water and money to commercial water interests," Tayaba said.