The collective of 20 tribal communities and prominent environmental groups, like the Sierra Club and San Francisco Baykeeper, called on the Newsom Administration to reform the state's water rights system so it can better support salmon populations and the overall health of rivers, estuaries, specifically the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

"We are currently experiencing degradation of our water, air and right to public access of our waterways," said Artie Valencia, community organizer and government liaison of Restore the Delta. "Our frontline communities are the ones who will deal with the consequences of water exports at the expense of the health, safety and quality of life for environmental justice communities."

The coalition added that they want to be at the table where the decisions are made, and alleged that Gov. Gavin Newsom has not directly met with local tribes, fisheries or environmental activists about water rights in the Delta since elected governor.

CBS Bay Area - 7/6/23