Sen. Jerry McNerney to Serve on Delta Protection Commission

Senator Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, announced on Thursday that he will serve on the Delta Protection Commission, a state and federally designated agency whose mission is to safeguard and enhance the Delta’s environment, economy, and rich cultural history.

“The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the largest and most important estuary on the West Coast. I’m determined to help safeguard this incredible natural habitat for the people and ecosystems that thrive here and depend on its good health,” said McNerney, whose Senate District 5 includes the heart of the Delta. 

“The Delta region produces billions in annual economic activity, supplies food for people around the globe, and provides water to two-thirds of the state. Protecting and enhancing the Delta is essential for California’s environment and economy.”

The Delta includes 738,000 acres and is where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers converge in a series of waterways and sloughs that ultimately flow into San Francisco Bay. The Delta is also home to more than 500,000 residents and numerous historic and vibrant small communities.

The Delta is also an extremely diverse yet fragile natural habitat that supports more than 55 fish species and over 750 plant and wildlife species.

California’s Delta Protection Act of 1992 established the Delta Protection Commission. In 2019, Congress designated the Delta Protection Commission to coordinate the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area, the first and only NHA in California. That Congressional action was co-sponsored by then-Rep. Jerry McNerney. 

Sen. Jerry McNerney is chair of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and his 5th Senate District includes all of San Joaquin County and Alameda County’s Tri-Valley.