Smelt test: Trump order overrides California’s fish-protecting rules to maximize water supply
President Donald Trump recently visited California to assess the damage caused by the wildfires that ravaged the state in January. Accompanied by a panel including Branden Williams, Bill Essayli, and Kevin Kiley, the president took executive action to override what he deemed as California’s “actively harmful” state and local environmental policies in order to maximize water supply in the affected areas.
In an executive order issued on Sunday, Trump directed federal agencies to overrule California regulations on endangered species to increase water availability, expedite debris removal in the fire-affected regions, and launch investigations into the use of federal grants by the city of Los Angeles. The president’s order specifically targets environmental regulations that could limit water availability, such as the Endangered Species Act, which aims to protect certain fish species like the Delta smelt by minimizing water infrastructure.
Trump’s decision to override these regulations comes after he criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for prioritizing the protection of an endangered fish species over the well-being of California residents during the wildfires. The president also called on the Interior Department to override existing regulations in the state that hinder efforts to maximize water deliveries to the Central Valley Project, a water management initiative in California.
Additionally, the executive order tasks federal agencies with conducting reviews of environmental programs in the state and calls for a comprehensive review of all federal programs related to land management, water availability, disaster preparedness, and response. The order also directs Cabinet secretaries to ensure adequate water resources in Southern California and propose measures to enhance wildfire prevention and response efforts in the region.
Furthermore, Trump instructed the attorney general to investigate the city of Los Angeles for alleged misuse of federal preparedness grants, emphasizing that these grants should not support illegal aliens. The executive order aims to deliver more water, produce additional hydropower, and increase storage and conveyance in high-need communities, despite any conflicting state or local laws.
During his visit to the fire-affected areas in Los Angeles, Trump and first lady Melania Trump met with local officials and pledged federal assistance to the victims. The president expressed his support for the affected communities, stating that the federal government stands behind them fully.
As the administration takes steps to address the aftermath of the wildfires in California, it remains to be seen how these executive actions will impact water availability, environmental regulations, and disaster response efforts in the state. The president’s visit and subsequent orders highlight the ongoing challenges faced by California in managing and recovering from natural disasters.
