Northern California Lawmakers caution against harmful drought legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – Northern California Lawmakers issued a strong warning today in response to emergency drought legislation passed by the U.S. Senate. From U.S. Reps. George Miller (CA-11), Mike Thompson (CA-5), Doris O. Matsui (CA-6), Jerry McNerney (CA-9), John Garamendi (CA-3), Jared Huffman (CA-2) and Ami Bera (CA-7):

"Senator Feinstein's effort to produce workable solutions to California's vexing water shortages is admirable. However, we remain deeply opposed to a provision of the Senate-passed legislation that could devastate the Bay-Delta ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. Unfortunately, this bill can only get worse through conference with House Republicans. The House Majority has already demonstrated their willingness to override state water law and environmental protections in the Delta. For this reason, we strongly caution our Senate colleagues from accepting any aspects of the destructive Valadao-Nunes bill, which does not provide any solutions to end water shortages, will irreparably damage the Bay-Delta, degrade drinking water quality and cost our state thousands of jobs. California needs to move toward sustainable water operations for the entire state not just one part."

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