Reforms passed by lawmakers in November are bringing the agency back into the game after a decade of inaction, but some question how it will respond.

Critics say they already see some water board members reluctant to act aggressively, taking a more limited view of the new law.

And the board has a history of shying away from the Delta's controversies and complexities.

"All of the laws have put the responsibility to fix this with the state board the whole time," said Michael Jackson, an environmental lawyer and frequent critic of the board. "They've done nothing." Read Full Article