Newsom Voices Strong Support for Voluntary Agreements at PPIC Event by Will Holbert Jan 29, 2020 Water News Gov. Gavin Newsom made a strong stand in favor of Voluntary Agreements today during a Public Policy Institute of California event in Sacramento, rejecting calls for litigation while defending his dedication to protecting the environment. Newsom joined PPIC President and CEO Mark Baldassare for an hour-long conversation covering a wide range of topics, from energy to homelessness and wildfires. An audience question at the end of the conversation prompted Newsom to address his views on water and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta. “Everyone needs to calm down,” Newsom said. Newsom echoed his past statements in support of the Voluntary Agreements and the need to break away from the confrontational approach of litigation. He also praised the cabinet-level leaders who are working on the agreements for their talents and asked stakeholders to give them a chance. Voluntary Agreements embrace a new approach to improving the Bay-Delta ecosystem by creating a comprehensive program of habitat enhancement projects coupled with more water for fish and wildlife, managed in a collaborative, science-based manner. The Newsom Administration has also expressed its support for Voluntary Agreements in the recently released draft Water Resilience Portfolio. The document underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to water resilience in California. To view a video of the PPIC event, visit www.ppic.org/event/a-conversation-with-governor-gavin-newsom/ Newsom discusses water at the end of the conversation at the 52-minute mark. For more information about the Voluntary Agreements, visit ACWA’s issue website at www.voluntaryagreements.org.
