Environmental groups are calling for emergency action to keep the endangered Delta smelt from becoming extinct. They are asking the state to send more fresh water out to sea this year and in future years saying the tiny fish is on the brink. Those opposed say years of freshwater flows has done nothing to help the smelt, as evidenced by the current crisis. A decision either way has not been made by state water regulators. The amount of water allocated each year in California for environmental purposes far exceeds the allotments for both agriculture and cities combined.

Sean Michael Lisle