Summary

Summary of Executive Order: "Putting People over Fish"

Purpose

This memorandum directs the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to prioritize the allocation of water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to meet the water needs of Southern California residents.

Actions Taken

• Implementation Restart: The Secretaries are instructed to resume efforts initiated during the previous administration to increase water routing from Northern California to Southern California.
• Focus on Water Supply: Emphasizes the necessity of providing a reliable water supply to areas facing water scarcity.
• Response to Legal Challenges: Notes that previous efforts were impeded by a lawsuit filed by California's state government, aimed at protecting fish species like the Delta smelt.
• Urgency Highlighted: Cites recent destructive wildfires in Southern California as evidence of the need for improved water management and vegetation practices.

Expected Impact

• Water Accessibility: The steps outlined are intended to ensure that water from snowmelt and rainfall is used effectively, rather than being lost to the ocean.
• Progress Reporting: The Secretaries must report back within 90 days on the implementation progress and any recommendations for further actions.

This memorandum reflects an initiative to balance environmental concerns with the pressing need for water resources in Southern California.