Putting People Over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern California
January 20, 2025
Action Summary
- Policy Purpose: Reinitiate a water routing plan to divert water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to support Southern California’s water needs, replacing previous environmental restrictions.
- Agency Coordination: Directs the Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with other federal agencies, to restart initiatives begun during the previous administration by agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
- Background Context: The original plan was halted by a state-led lawsuit aimed at protecting species like the Delta smelt, leading to excess water flowing into the Pacific Ocean rather than being used beneficially in California.
- Critical Rationale: The urgency is underlined by Southern California’s recent severe wildfires, emphasizing the need for a reliable water supply and effective vegetation management to prevent future disasters.
- Reporting Requirement: Both Secretaries are mandated to submit a progress report and recommendations on policy implementation within 90 days from the memorandum’s date.
Risks & Considerations
- The directive to prioritize water routing from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Southern California could lead to significant environmental impacts, potentially affecting local ecosystems and biodiversity. This may result in legal challenges or public opposition, which could delay or complicate implementation.
- The emphasis on overriding environmental protections for species like the Delta smelt may set a precedent for future policy decisions, potentially impacting environmental research and conservation efforts.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of these changes on its environmental science and policy programs, particularly in terms of research opportunities and partnerships with federal and state agencies.
- The focus on water infrastructure improvements in California could influence national water management policies, potentially affecting research funding and collaboration opportunities for Vanderbilt’s engineering and environmental programs.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may find opportunities to engage in research and development related to water infrastructure and management, particularly in collaboration with federal agencies.
- The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences could see increased demand for expertise in environmental impact assessments and policy analysis, providing opportunities for research and collaboration.
- Vanderbilt Law School might explore the legal implications of environmental policy changes, offering courses or clinics focused on environmental law and policy.
- The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could play a role in analyzing the broader impacts of water management policies on energy and environmental sustainability.
Financial Impact
- Changes in federal water management policies could lead to shifts in research funding priorities, potentially affecting grant opportunities for Vanderbilt’s environmental and engineering programs.
- Vanderbilt may need to adjust its research strategies to align with new federal priorities, potentially impacting funding and collaboration opportunities.
- There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on water management, infrastructure, and environmental policy, particularly through partnerships with federal agencies.
- The potential for legal challenges and public opposition to the policy changes could create uncertainty in funding and collaboration opportunities, necessitating careful strategic planning by Vanderbilt.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance or ethics, particularly in environmental and legal contexts.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department should analyze the potential impacts of the reimplementation of water routing policies on local ecosystems and biodiversity. This research can provide valuable insights into the environmental trade-offs and inform policy discussions.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in federal water management policies to assess potential impacts on research funding opportunities related to environmental science and water resource management.
- Vanderbilt’s Law School could explore the legal implications of federal versus state authority in environmental management, potentially offering expertise and thought leadership in ongoing legal debates.
- The Center for Environmental Management Studies should consider engaging in policy analysis and advocacy to influence sustainable water management practices that balance human needs with environmental conservation.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Engineering Department to develop innovative water management technologies and infrastructure solutions that could be applied in similar contexts nationwide.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in environmental policy to host conferences and workshops on sustainable water management, positioning the university as a leader in addressing complex environmental challenges.
- By collaborating with federal agencies and other academic institutions, Vanderbilt can expand its research portfolio in areas related to climate change adaptation and water resource management.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to Vanderbilt’s research and policy engagement strategies in environmental and legal fields.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Report due within 90 days of January 20, 2025.
Relevance Score: 2
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Commerce: The Secretary of Commerce is directed to coordinate actions and policies regarding the re-routing of water to Southern California.
- Department of the Interior: The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with working alongside the Secretary of Commerce and other agencies to implement the water supply initiatives.
- National Marine Fisheries Service: Required to resume its previous work, this agency is involved in the evaluation of water routing and its environmental impacts.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: This agency will also resume efforts related to water management and its implications for wildlife and fisheries.
- Bureau of Reclamation: Plays a key role in water resource management and in redirecting water supplies from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Relevance Score: 2 (A small to moderate number of Federal Agencies are impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Commerce – Instructed to restart and supervise water-routing initiatives in consultation with relevant agency heads.
- Secretary of the Interior – Charged with restarting water-routing efforts and coordinating with other departments and agencies.
Relevance Score: 4 (Directives impact agency heads with significant authority over water resource management and interagency coordination.)