The California Department of Water Resources has received federal permits to begin construction on the Delta Conveyance Tunnel, a 45-mile water project. - The permits require measures to protect endangered species like delta smelt and San Joaquin kit fox.
- Environmental groups criticize the permits for ignoring long-term operational impacts on wildlife. - The state says the tunnel is needed to offset water supply losses due to climate change.
- The project still needs a separate operating permit from the State Water Resources Control Board.