EDF, Audubon Urge California Water Agencies to Finalize Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan

(SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 11, 2019) The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors will vote Tuesday on whether to authorize participation in the Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) to manage water in the Colorado River. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Audubon sent an open letter to California water agencies commending progress on the DCP and urging that they continue to collaborate to finalize the agreement.

“EDF and Audubon publicly acknowledge and applaud the significant efforts of Southern California water agencies in working to finalize the Colorado River Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan agreements over the past several years. The DCP is a critically important step forward to protect the communities, economy and environment across the basin. We strongly support completion of the DCP.

“As we all near the finish line, we appreciate that there are outstanding concerns about the Salton Sea. We urge the California agencies and federal partners to continue the spirit of collaboration they adopted in drafting the DCP to face this challenge as well. Working together creatively and constructively, we can overcome the obstacles that have slowed progress in implementing the Salton Sea Management Program and ensuring ample funding for projects that will make a difference for people and the environment at the Salton Sea.

The Colorado River Basin water supply faces enormous risks without the DCP, and it is everyone’s interests that this effort succeed.”

• Maurice Hall, Associate VP, Ecosystems – Water, Environmental Defense Fund