On June 18, 2025, the California State Assembly's Joint Legislative Audit Committee convened to discuss the contentious Delta Conveyance Project, a proposed $20 billion water infrastructure initiative. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability in the project's oversight, particularly from the Department of Water Resources (DWR).

Assembly members expressed skepticism about DWR's commitment to transparency, with some questioning the value of the proposed audit. Senator Cortese emphasized the need for clarity on the project's financial implications, citing discrepancies in reported expenditures. He noted that while DWR claimed not to have spent $700 million, other reports indicated that at least $400 million had already been allocated. This inconsistency raised alarms about the project's financial management and the potential burden on ratepayers.

Senator Baljeres echoed these concerns, questioning the timing and intent of the audit. With the project still in its early design phase and lacking key funding milestones, she raised the possibility that the audit could serve to delay progress rather than enhance oversight. Baljeres pointed out that the project had faced voter rejection in the past and expressed frustration over the lack of legislative approval for its current funding.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of the Delta Conveyance Project, particularly in light of California's ongoing water scarcity issues exacerbated by climate change. Legislators underscored the need for a comprehensive understanding of the project's costs and benefits, especially as it would transfer resources from one region of California to another.

Witnesses at the meeting argued that the audit was essential for ensuring accountability and transparency, particularly given the potential for significant financial commitments without adequate oversight. They stressed that the audit would not duplicate existing litigation but would instead provide critical insights into the project's financial and operational ramifications.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members recognized the importance of addressing these concerns to ensure that the Delta Conveyance Project, if pursued, would be managed responsibly and transparently. The discussions underscored a growing demand for accountability in state projects, particularly those with substantial financial implications for California residents. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the audit's scope and the project's future, as legislators seek to balance infrastructure needs with fiscal responsibility.