Don’t let some members of Congress undermine the Endangered Species Act and put the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem at risk just to benefit a few wealthy business interests.
Today, Congressional leaders inserted language into must-pass legislation that will harm endangered species and destabilize key wetland areas that millions of birds need to survive. By including the language in the Water Resources Development Act, these proponents are threatening to withhold funding for the people of Flint, Michigan, unless Congress passes their water grab for powerful and wealthy special interests.
The proposed language is so dangerous because it was developed through secret backroom negotiations between Congressional leadership and large water districts and agribusinesses who have long been hostile to protecting the Delta ecosystem. Conservation organizations were excluded from these discussions.
This legislation doesn’t try to solve problems by investing in water conservation, water capture, recycling, and reuse, or developing projects with economic and ecological benefits. Instead, it really is just a big water grab to benefit a few powerful special interests while harming birds, fish, and other wildlife.