Monday December 16, 2024
KRCR —
Governor Gavin Newsom’s promotion of two major water infrastructure projects, the Sites Reservoir and the Delta Tunnel, has sparked significant criticism from environmental groups. Newsom recently described the Delta Tunnel as the “single most important climate adaptation project in the U.S.”
However, Friends of the River, an environmental advocacy group, argues that these projects could exacerbate California’s climate crisis. The group claims that the Sites Reservoir would significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. They estimate that the reservoir’s average annual emissions would surpass those of more than 80,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles, undermining California’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
The group also criticized the Delta Tunnel project, stating it would increase the energy-intensive pumping of water through the State Water Project, the largest single energy user in California. They argue that this would lead to higher energy consumption and emissions, contradicting efforts to reduce the project’s carbon footprint.