From Washington, D.C. to the Yuba: Standing Up for Our Rivers 

By Aaron Zettler-Mann, SYRCL’s Executive Director 

From September 8^th to the 12th, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C. as part of the Hydropower Reform Coalition, alongside incredible partners from American Whitewater, American Rivers, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, and Friends of the River. Together, we carried a shared message: protecting rivers and responsible permitting at the federal level is essential to safeguarding clean water, healthy watersheds, and resilient communities here at home. 

Why does this matter for the Yuba? Because some of the water that flows through our watershed ends up in the drinking glasses of 80% of Californians. Decisions made in Washington directly shape the health of our river and, by extension, the health of California. 

Legislation That Threatens Clean Water 

Two bills in particular have the potential to weaken protections for our rivers and minimize communities’ ability to advocate for their home water: 

• The PERMIT Act – This bill threatens states’ ability to enforce clean water standards, weakening the tools California has relied on to safeguard water quality. 

• The SPEED Act – By shortening environmental review periods under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this bill would make it even harder for local communities — including ours — to track, respond to, and influence federally permitted projects that could impact our watershed. Cutting these review periods puts science, collaboration, and community input at risk, all under the misleading banner of “efficiency.” 

Bringing the Yuba’s Story to Congress 

In D.C., our California delegation met with leaders across the political spectrum, many of whom play key roles in water and energy policy. Some conversations I had that particularly stood out: 

• Representative Jared Huffman’s office – A long-time clean water champion, his team engaged with us on strategies to oppose the PERMIT Act and brainstormed ways to keep more water in our rivers and flowing out to the ocean. 

• Senator Alex Padilla’s staff – Our discussion focused on the relationship between hydropower and infrastructure safety. I shared the challenges we face with aging infrastructure at Spaulding and the threats it poses to regional water security far beyond the Yuba. 

• Congresswoman Luz Rivas’s office – A strong voice for environmental justice, her team understood the importance of states setting their own water quality standards and ensuring local communities have a meaningful say in federal projects. I was able to share firsthand how difficult it already is for SYRCL to keep up with federal NEPA reviews and how much we rely on collaboration with partners and the community to meet deadlines. 

We also met with senior leaders from the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. These committees are crucial stops before either bill gets a vote on the House floor. As of September 16th, though, it is still unclear when the PERMIT Act and the SPEED act will be moved to the floor for a vote. Having congressional leaders hear from local voices about what’s at stake has never been more important. 

Why This Matters to the Yuba 

The health of the Yuba watershed is inseparable from the health of California. Federal decisions about water quality, infrastructure, and permitting don’t just affect policy on paper, they affect fish populations, river flows, hydropower licensing, water security, and the communities who call this watershed home. 

SYRCL’s role is to make sure the Yuba’s voice is heard in these national debates. That means advocating to keep the best science at the forefront, standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners, and keeping the community informed so that we can all respond quickly and effectively. 

How You Can Help 

This kind of advocacy takes resources. It requires SYRCL to track fast-moving federal legislation, respond in a timely way, and keep you informed so you, too, can take action. 

That’s why we’re asking for your support. Please consider making a donation to SYRCL today. Your gift ensures that we can continue to: 

• Monitor legislation that impacts the Yuba. 
• Advocate at the local, state, and federal levels to defend clean water. 
• Keep our community informed so that together, we can stand up for our river. 

Donate Today to help us protect the Yuba from the Sierra Nevada to Washington, D.C.