Central Valley Legislators Developing Emergency Drought
Legislation
Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21), Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), and Congressman
Devin Nunes (CA-22) are developing
emergency drought legislation to provide necessary water supplies throughout
the state and the Central Valley.
The three Congressmen were joined by Speaker
of the House John Boehner this afternoon to announce their
legislative proposal to provide immediate relief from the ongoing drought in
California.
The legislative proposal
incorporates three main actions:
- Turning on the Delta pumps this
year and next year to capture future rain events
- Ending restoration flows in the
San Joaquin River for this year and next year in order to stop wasting water
- Establishing a bipartisan,
emergency joint committee from the House and Senate to devise a long-term
legislative solution
Congressman Valadao stated,
“California is facing one of the worst droughts in history. Congress cannot
make it rain, but they can provide relief from burdensome environmental
regulations. Today I join Speaker John Boehner, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy,
and Congressman Devin Nunes in calling for emergency drought legislation that
provides immediate relief for farmers, farm workers, and families in the
Central Valley.”
Congressman McCarthy
continued, “As we approach another drought year in the Central Valley, it is
imperative that we take immediate action to provide water supplies to our local
families, farmers, and small businesses. Restrictive environmental regulations
reduce our supplies when water is available in wet years, but exacerbates the
negative impacts during years of drought. At a time when we are in
dire need of water, we must provide flexibility and allow water to flow around
the state. Our legislation that is being developed would provide emergency
drought relief for our state and our local communities.”
“The Senate’s rejection of all
House initiatives to end the crisis has now resulted in an emergency situation
throughout California. We hope senators will join us in taking action that will
bring immediate relief and ultimately end this man-made crisis,” said
Congressman Nunes.
Labels: Central Valley Legislators Developing Emergency Drought Legislation, DROUGHT PRESS CONFERENCE IN BAKERSFIELD, Valadao McCarthy Nunes Boehner on Calif Drought