Trump Signs Memorandum To Divert More Water to Farmers in California
President vows to put a lot of 'pressure' on Gov. Gavin Newsom to enact changes
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President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Wednesday, which will direct more water supply to farmers and other agriculture interests in California.
The President touted his administration reworking of the Obama-era environmental rules, assuring additional water gets to farmers.
Trump also took aim at political rivals like California Gov. Gavin Newsom to Democratic presidential primary hopeful and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
“For too long, water authorities have flushed millions of gallons into the Pacific,” Trump said.
“I ordered the administration to update outdated opinions which determined water allocation in this state.”
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The President said he was going “to put a lot of pressure” on Newsom to enact the changes.
He added if the California governor doesn’t follow through, then “you’ll get a new governor.”
Trump has been highly critical of California's environmental rules, calling them “insane” during a campaign stop in 2016 and pledging that he’d be “opening up the water” for farmers.
The environmental rules are meant to ensure water stays in rivers and the San Francisco Bay to sustain more than a dozen endangered fish and other native species.
Environmental advocates argue that the changes would allow federal authorities to pump more water from California's wetter north southward to its most prominent cities and farms.
Environmental groups also state that the changes would advance the disappearance of endangered winter-run salmon, making it hard for whales and other creatures in the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
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But after the initial study by federal scientists found the rule would harm salmon and whales, the Trump administration ordered a new round of review.
Pacific Southwest director for the Fish and Wildlife Service, Paul Souza, said the effort “ensured the highest quality" of evaluation of the rule change.
“We strongly disagree that the proposal will reduce protections for endangered species," Souza said.
Earlier this year, Neon Nettle reported that Trump's support among American farmers had hit new highs.
The latest Farm Journal Pulse Poll, which included the responses from 1,286 farmers, Trump's approval rating hit a record high of 83 percent, one point higher than the previous poll.
Just 18 percent of farmers disapprove of President Trump, the poll adds.
The latest poll reveals the highest approval of the president since Farm Journal began tracking Trump’s support from farmers.
