… A controversial plan that dramatically changes how the state governs the pumping of water out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta — the heart of the state water system — was adopted by California regulators late Thursday after two days of debate involving more than 200 people. The plan adopted by the five-member State Water Resources Control Board breaks from the traditional approach of requiring all water agencies to limit pumping to maintain required minimum levels of water in rivers and the estuary. Instead, it allows agencies the option of negotiated deals in which they commit to ensuring certain river flows for the environment and contribute funds for projects that restore habitat for fish in the Delta.

Other Bay-Delta news:

• CalMatters (Sacramento, Calif.): Has the Trump administration doomed Newsom’s water plan?​
• Courthouse News Service: California approves sweeping Bay-Delta water plan as environmentalists push back
• Politico: Newsom races to lock in his water legacy
• State Water Resources Control Board: News release: State Water Board adopts innovative new model to protect California’s Bay-Delta, water and wildlife
• Gov. Gavin Newsom: News release: Governor Newsom secures innovative approach to major Bay-Delta protections that will restore rivers and strengthen California’s water future