As California grapples with severe wildfires, Representative John Garamendi has expressed strong disapproval of a recent executive order by former President Donald Trump. The order aims to reduce environmental protections for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, redirecting water from Northern to Southern California.
Garamendi criticized the executive order as a “blatant political ploy” that fails to employ scientific methods to enhance water supply or firefighting capabilities. He stated, “President Trump is continuing his attack on the environment and on California’s constitutional right to decide its own water and environmental policies.”
Drawing on his experience as California’s Insurance Commissioner for eight years, Garamendi emphasized that the order does not address wildfire risks in the western U.S. He warned it could undermine efforts by state and federal agencies over the past four years to improve science-based water delivery across regions.
Highlighting his long-standing commitment to defending the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Garamendi called for leadership focused on solutions rather than political maneuvering. Citing Mark Twain, he remarked, “Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over,” suggesting that Trump’s order might incite further conflict instead of fostering cooperation.
Garamendi urged Trump to propose real measures addressing climate challenges. He advocated for his own plan titled “Little Sip, Big Gulp: A Water Plan for All of California,” which emphasizes safeguarding the Delta through water recycling and new storage facilities rather than tunnel construction.
“We are in a climate crisis,” Garamendi asserted, urging action beyond political gestures or empty promises.
