Defenders of Wildlife Opposes Governor Newsom's Latest Bill Package, Citing Concerns for Imperiled Wildlife and Lack of Public Engagement
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a surprise package of “budget trailer bills” late last week designed to limit permitting requirements for contentious projects such as the Delta Conveyance Project and Sites Reservoir. Newsom’s proposal encompasses various topics intended to streamline California’s infrastructure development but, in the process, undermines bedrock environmental laws that protect imperiled wildlife.
Among the trailer bills causing concern is one that seeks to repeal four statutes that have long designated species as “fully protected,” purportedly in order to enhance species conservation and improve permitting for essential infrastructure projects.
“These trailer bills establish a dangerous precedent for imperiled wildlife in California,” said Ashley Overhouse, water policy advisor with Defenders of Wildlife. “This policy change, announced on Endangered Species Day of all days, is exclusionary, undemocratic and could spell disaster for the San Francisco Bay Delta estuary.”
Defenders of Wildlife Opposes Governor Newsom's Latest Bill Package, Citing Concerns for Imperiled Wildlife and Lack of Public Engagement
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a surprise package of “budget trailer bills” late last week designed to limit permitting requirements for contentious projects such as the Delta Conveyance Project and Sites Reservoir. Newsom’s proposal encompasses various topics intended to streamline California’s infrastructure development but, in the process, undermines bedrock environmental laws that protect imperiled wildlife.
Among the trailer bills causing concern is one that seeks to repeal four statutes that have long designated species as “fully protected,” purportedly in order to enhance species conservation and improve permitting for essential infrastructure projects.
“These trailer bills establish a dangerous precedent for imperiled wildlife in California,” said Ashley Overhouse, water policy advisor with Defenders of Wildlife. “This policy change, announced on Endangered Species Day of all days, is exclusionary, undemocratic and could spell disaster for the San Francisco Bay Delta estuary.”
Defenders of Wildlife Opposes Governor Newsom's Latest Bill Package, Citing Concerns for Imperiled Wildlife and Lack of Public Engagement