The Martinez News-Northern California members vote against taking water from Delta

Five U.S. Representatives for Northern California, including districts encompassing Martinez, voted Tuesday against H.R. 5781, the "California Emergency Drought Relief Act." Despite their opposition, the bill that would mandate the pumping of Delta water to south of the Delta will move forward to the Senate.

U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-05), George Miller (D-11), Doris Matsui (D-06), Jerry McNerney (D-09), and John Garamendi (D-03) voted against the legislation introduced Dec. 2. The bill was sent to the House Floor without committee review or input from state or federal water agencies, fishing interests, or tribes.

"This deeply flawed legislation is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to use the drought as an excuse to steal water from the Bay Delta – and to do so with zero regard for the folks who depend on that water for their livelihoods. It was rushed to the House Floor with no consideration given to the jobs it would destroy, the water supply to urban and rural areas it would jeopardize, environmental protections it would gut, the drinking water it would damage, or the fact that it would do nothing to alleviate the drought," Congressman Mike Thompson said of the bill.

"The entire state of California is in a drought. It's not due to a lack of pumping. It's due to a lack of snow and rain. If the Majority was interested in actually addressing the drought, there are things we could do to help. Congress can invest in more water conservation, more water recycling, and more water storage. With investments like these, we can collect millions of gallons of new water, ensure urban and rural areas have a reliable water supply, help farmers better plan, and create good jobs. This bill does none of that. Our people deserve better than this politically driven bill. They deserve science-based solutions."

The legislation passed the House by a vote of 229-182. According to representatives from Thompson's office, the Obama Administration has issued a veto threat on the bill should it pass Senate approval.