OPINION: Temperance Flat is Answer to Environmental Groups’ Doubletalk

As described in The Bee’s April 25 story “Lawsuit claims Delta fish harmed by relaxed water standards,” the Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Institute and Wildlife Defenders are shopping for a federal court decision that would strip California of having the final say about its water resources.

The groups have a long history of talking out of both sides of their mouths. As lead plaintiff in 2006, the NRDC famously reneged on the San Joaquin River settlement. It first agreed not to seek modification of the settlement’s terms, then was caught simultaneously suing to overturn it.