Memorandum January 30, 2025 Doc #2025-02041

Putting People Over Fish: Stopping Radical Environ mentalism To Provide Water to Southern California

Environment Infrastructure Public Safety Government Reform

💡

In Simple Terms

The President wants to send more water to Southern California. This action prioritizes people over fish protection.

Summary

President Donald Trump issued a memorandum directing the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to restart efforts to reroute water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Central and Southern California. This action aims to provide a more reliable water supply to these regions, which have been affected by wildfires and water shortages. The memorandum criticizes previous environmental measures that prioritized the protection of fish species, such as the Delta smelt, over human water needs. The President has given a 90-day deadline for a progress report on implementing these policies.

Official Record

Federal Register Published

Signed by the President

January 20, 2025

Published in Federal Register

View on Federal Register View Printed Version (PDF)

January 30, 2025

Document #2025-02041

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

Working families and individuals: Increased water access may lower costs for households in Southern California.
Small business owners: More reliable water supply could reduce operational costs for agriculture-related businesses.
Students and recent graduates: Enhanced water resources might create job opportunities in water management and agriculture.
Retirees and seniors: Improved water infrastructure could stabilize living conditions and property values.
Different regions (urban, suburban, rural): Urban areas may see reduced water restrictions; rural areas might experience environmental impacts.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

Southern California residents benefit from increased water supply for domestic use.
Environmental groups challenge due to potential harm to fish habitats.
Agriculture sector in Central Valley benefits from enhanced water availability.
National Marine Fisheries Service implements policy impacting fish conservation efforts.
Water advocacy groups and farmers support increased water allocations to agriculture.

📈 What to Expect

Short-term (3–12 months):

Increased water allocation to Southern California communities.
Legal challenges from environmental groups intensify.
Temporary relief for agricultural sectors in Central Valley.

Long-term (1–4 years):

Potential decline in Delta ecosystem health.
Increased political tension between state and federal governments.
Long-term water supply stability remains uncertain.

📚 Historical Context

Nixon in 1972 prioritized resource management over environmental concerns, similar to this water policy.
Reagan in the 1980s reduced environmental regulations, paralleling the rollback of protections here.
This action modifies Obama's environmental protections, emphasizing human needs over endangered species.
Historically notable for prioritizing water supply amid climate change and regional drought challenges.
Reverses trend of increasing environmental protections seen under Clinton and Obama administrations.