California Lawmakers Reject Bill Calling For Delta Tunnels Scrutiny

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California lawmakers have rejected legislation that would have added protections for water contractors in a massive project to ship water from Northern to Southern California through a pair of twin tunnels.

AB2583 by Assemblyman Jim Frazier, a Democrat from Oakley, could have delayed Gov. Jerry Brown's $15.7 billion water tunnel project by requiring more extensive environmental review.

The Democratic governor and other project backers argue the tunnels are already undergoing a thorough environmental analysis.

The same Assembly committee approved separate legislation Tuesday that would give voters a chance to weigh in on the controversial project. Still, Brown is unlikely to sign AB1713 by Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, a Stockton Democrat, if it reaches his desk.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.