Federal Judge Dismisses Plan to Export More Delta Water

April 16, 2008 - Source: Indy Bay

A federal judge in Fresno, CA rejected a water plan that would have pumped more water out of the California Delta "at the expense of five species of protected chinook salmon and steelhead trout." The ruling was a victory for recreational and commercial fishermen, as well as conservation groups.

In making his decision, Judge Oliver W. Wanger cited the National Marine Fisheries Services' report that diverting water from the delta would kill large numbers of salmon. "Judge Wanger has placed salmon survival back at the center of California's struggle to protect our natural heritage," said litigating attorney Mike Sherwood.