Key facts
- Newsom aims to secure his water legacy before leaving office in January.
- A new reservoir and habitat restoration are priorities.
- A controversial Bay-Delta tunnel proposal is also being advanced.
- Environmentalists worry about endangered species.
- Farmers are key beneficiaries of the water projects.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is prioritizing the completion of major water projects before his term concludes in early January. These initiatives, including a new reservoir, a habitat restoration deal, and a long-standing proposal for a Bay-Delta tunnel, are seen as crucial for shaping his executive legacy ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. While environmental groups have voiced concerns about the impact on endangered species, Newsom's allies believe these projects demonstrate his ability to navigate complex bureaucracies and deliver critical infrastructure.