Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen and Executive Director of Restore the Delta Barbara Barrigan-Parilla argue that the decision in the 9th circuit court is “not really about the fish.” By ruling in favor of protecting the small Delta smelt, the court has granted a victory to “Californians who care about a sustainable water future.”
The health of the Delta is crucial for the livelihood of the more than 4 million people who live in the region, but it Van Noppen and Barrigan-Parilla maintain that these livelihoods are being sacrificed for the sake of “a few thirsty agricultural mega-corporations” who only contribute 0.3% of the state’s economy.
The delta smelt are an ‘indicator species,’ performing the same function as a canary in a coal mine. By protecting the Delta smelt, the authors attest, the courts are “protect[ing] people and their way of life.”
Read Delta smelt: 9th Circuit decision protects people as much as fish
Written by Stratecon staff