Defenders Disappointed in Newsom Order

California Gov. Gavin Newsom today issued a state of emergency executive order that directed state agencies to waive essential flood protections to divert and store excess stormwater above and below ground later in the year. The order calls for agencies to identify and remove obstacles when possible and report any legal barriers that may need to be temporarily lifted. Defenders of Wildlife is disappointed in the state order after a similar attempt to alter the California Water Code was defeated last year.  

“This haphazard executive order is not only unnecessary but also deprioritizes vulnerable communities with high flood risk,” said Ashley Overhouse, water policy advisor for Defenders of Wildlife. “This is yet another political attack on the already minimum environmental protections governing our water management system and the wildlife that depend on it. If it is not Gov. Newsom’s intention to undermine state law and jeopardize species, then I urge the administration to make that clear.”