California Governor Newsom pushes forward with controversial water tunnel project despite environmental opposition

California Governor Gavin Newsom's administration has completed an environmental review for a controversial water tunnel project aimed at capturing more water during heavy rainstorms. The 45-mile long tunnel would transport water from Northern California to Southern California, but environmental groups and opponents argue that it will harm endangered species and take more water than necessary. The project still needs to undergo a federal environmental review and obtain various state and federal permits, with completion expected by 2026. Despite opposition, Newsom's administration sees the tunnel as a necessary upgrade to protect the water supply from earthquakes and climate change impacts.