Putting People Over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern California

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum directing federal agencies to prioritize water allocation to Southern California, aiming to reverse previous environmental restrictions that protected fish species like the Delta smelt. This action seeks to address water shortages and mitigate wildfire risks by increasing water flow from Northern California, but it may reignite legal battles with the state and environmental groups concerned about ecological impacts. The move underscores a tension between human needs and environmental conservation, potentially sparking political and legal debates over resource management and environmental policy.