As downpours soak Northern California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered state officials to capture and store more stormwater in San Joaquin Valley reservoirs for farmers and towns, and to “remove or minimize” any obstacles that stand in the way.

If that sounds familiar, it is: The governor issued similar orders two years ago, when he waived environmental laws to store more water as storms drenched the state and caused disastrous flooding. Months later, the Legislature and Newsom enacted a new law that smooths the way for such actions.

In a video posted on social media, Newsom said he aims to store more stormwater “for people and agriculture.” The three-year, statewide drought “yielded ongoing, significant impacts” on farm communities, he wrote in his order.

I just issued an executive order to capture and store more water from the upcoming storms in California.

We’re creating a literal rainy day fund for our hotter, drier future. pic.twitter.com/1AZGr6Gc7u

— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 31, 2025

Related Story: Trump Emergency Order Triggers Water Dump From Tulare County Lakes

Growers and Cities Welcome Newsom’s Order

Growers and cities that use water from the State Water Project welcomed Newsom’s action.

But environmental groups worry that it will kill salmon and other fish spiraling toward extinction. By diverting and storing more water, less is left in Delta rivers for fish.

Environmentalists also noted the similarity between Newsom’s order and President Donald Trump’s order last week to waive the Endangered Species Act and pump more water out of the Delta. The Army Corps of Engineers then abruptly increased outflow from two small San Joaquin Valley reservoirs.

Trump posted on social media that the water would have prevented the Los Angeles wildfires — but that water does not reach Southern California. It also will do little to help farmers, since they need irrigation water for crops in spring and summer, not now.

Jon Rosenfield, science director at San Francisco Baykeeper, said: “Trump issued an executive order that is nothing short of an assault on California’s environment, and it’s like Newsom said, ‘Hold my beer.’ ”