A Big Win for the Delta: People Power Stops Dangerous Trailer Bills
An aerial view of the Middle River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Image: Ken James, California Department of Water Resources
Two last-minute “trailer bills” expected to fast-track the Delta Conveyance Project and weaken public review of the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan were stopped in their tracks. These measures would have sidelined Tribes, erased environmental protections, and given a blank check to corporate water contractors.
The people of the Delta, alongside allies from across California, mobilized quickly to prevent these harmful measures from moving forward. More than 50 organizations and thousands of Californians voiced their opposition–calling, writing, and meeting directly with their representatives.
Gary Mulcahy, a member of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, serves as the Tribe’s Governmental Liaison on water, fisheries, and other tribal matters.
Legislative leaders listened. The Delta Caucus, led by Senator Jerry McNerney and Assemblymember Lori Wilson, along with support from Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, ensured the trailer bills never moved forward.
Faced with unified opposition, the Newsom administration backed down.
This victory was the result of relentless community-driven organizing and activism. Tribal leaders, Delta farmers, fishing groups, environmental justice advocates, and conservation organizations joined forces to send a clear message: California’s water future cannot be designed behind closed doors. This was a decisive win for clean water, healthy fisheries, and community self-determination.
“Today proves that grassroots activism works! When we unite, we can overcome the influence of big money special interests that prioritize profits over the well-being of communities. Our coalition is strong, united, and ready to protect ecological health, transparent policymaking, and equitable water access for all Californians,” said Scott Webb, Director of Advocacy & Engagement, Resource Renewal Institute.
What’s Next
Stopping these bills is a significant step forward, but it’s only one battle in a much larger fight. We need your continued support to build a California where water decisions reflect equity, ecological health, and transparency. California’s future depends on it.
