Tribes and environmental groups have registered their strong opposition to a California water bill, AB 2215, that they say would clear the path for controversial water projects, including the embattled Delta Tunnel, without proper regulatory and public oversight. AB 2215 would extend the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) water rights permit for the State Water Project until 2046. Bill proponents claim that it is a “critical response to climate change and ensuring reliable water supplies,” but opponents say the very opposite is true. The California Assembly approved the bill as amended on May 27 with a vote of 59 to 1 and 20 no votes recorded. It will be considered by the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on Wednesday, July 1.

Related:

• Maven’s Notebook: Blog: Delta Tribal Environmental Coalition urges lawmakers to reject bill threatening water oversight and public participation