Thursday April 30, 2026
FOX40 —
A state of emergency has been declared as concerns spread over the growing golden mussel infestation threatening the California Delta.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to declare a local state of emergency, citing the “imminent threat and potential impacts of invasive golden mussels” on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta — including water systems, agriculture, recreation and the environment itself.
In the resolution, county officials called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a broader state of emergency and direct state agencies to provide assistance with the infestation. The board also requested assistance from federal agencies, including the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Current state-level efforts “do not sufficiently address” the issue, the board said.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson in Newsom’s office said the governor recognizes the urgency facing San Joaquin County and the Delta and pointed to investments in statewide water infrastructure.
“The current challenge requires sustained commitment rather than short-term emergency measures,” spokesperson Anthony Martinez said in an emailed statement. “We’re focused on deploying every available resource through the most effective mechanisms to stop the spread of golden mussels.”