Yesterday, Senator Feinstein introduced her revised drought legislation. Here are all the reactions from legislators and interest groups I’ve received, arranged in alphabetical order:
From the California Farm Bureau Federation:
Introduction of a California water bill in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Dianne Feinstein will help Congress move toward final legislation that addresses the state’s chronic water shortages, according to the president of the California Farm Bureau Federation.
“Senator Feinstein has never been shy about tackling the tough issues, and we appreciate her work to create a California water bill for the Senate’s consideration,” CFBF President Paul Wenger said. “The Senate must pass this bill so it can advance to a conference committee with the drought bill already passed by the House of Representatives.
“Our water system needs to add more flexibility to respond to ever-changing precipitation patterns,” Wenger said. “California’s water system must be improved to accommodate our people, our environment and our economy.
“We appreciate Senator Feinstein’s leadership in introducing the Senate water bill,” he said. “It’s key to move a bill through the Senate that complements the legislation passed by the House.
“We will analyze the bill carefully and will continue to urge the entire California congressional delegation to work toward common-sense solutions to our state’s chronic water crisis,” Wenger said.
The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 53,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.
Joint statement from Central Valley agricultural water districts:
San Luis Delta-Mendota Water Agency, Westlands Water District, Kern County Water Agency, Friant, Friant North, South Valley Water Association, Tehama Colusa Canal Authority
In response to today’s introduction the California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act, several public water agencies from the Central Valley issued the following statement:
“In the last three years, several bills related to operations of the Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project have been introduced and passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Despite the best efforts by some in Congress, none of the legislation has been enacted, and the people of California who rely on the state’s two major water projects continue to suffer unnecessarily from chronic water supply shortages.
Provisions of the California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein have merit, and its introduction is a positive step in the effort to find reasonable solutions to California’s short-term and long-term water issues. The legislation advances efforts to provide common sense Congressional direction on the application of the Endangered Species Act to the operations of the CVP and SWP and a roadmap for development of new water supplies to meet the water supply needs in California and other regions of the west.
Passage by the Senate of this legislation will be an important step toward development and enactment of final compromise legislation to address this critical issue, and we support Senator Feinstein’s efforts to obtain quick Senate approval.
Winter storms are beginning to fill northern reservoirs and produce runoff that must be captured, if we are to end California’s historic drought for the 25 million people dependent upon pumping in the Delta. Unfortunately, without meaningful legislation enacted into law, the people of California are likely to endure an uncertain winter season of floods, property damage, and storm water flowing out to the ocean, followed by a summer of drought–a scenario both frustrating and unacceptable. The time to act is now.”
From Congressman John Garamendi:
Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, Davis, Yuba City) announced his support of the “California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act,” as introduced, by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). This legislation would provide $1.3 billion for long-term solutions for water storage, desalination, and recycling.
“Senator Feinstein has been committed to finding a legislative solution to California’s water challenges that treats all stakeholders fairly while also staying true to our nation’s landmark environmental laws. This bill fits that very high standard,” said Congressman Garamendi. “Even better, the provisions of the bill align with California’s voter-passed Proposition 1, which will enable better coordination between federal and state priorities.”
Senator Feinstein and Congressman Garamendi had been part of a bicameral group of legislators working to negotiate a bipartisan solution to California’s water infrastructure issues.
From the Golden Gate Salmon Association:
“We’re still studying the bill but what we can say is right now there are baby salmon desperately trying to stay alive in the Delta. Some have already been killed by the pumps. Survivors will be there for several more months until their biological clock tells them to go to the ocean. These fish represent the future for salmon fishermen, coastal communities, ports, harbors, river fishing guides and many others. They are also a key part of California’s natural heritage. Any proposal that would allow more water to be siphoned out of the Delta will harm these salmon and our ability to feed our families.
Congressmen from the San Joaquin Valley and their clients will undoubtedly try to take even more salmon water. Californians lost the last two years’ salmon runs because, in drought, officials don’t leave enough water for salmon. I think most Californians would agree this has to change. “
John McManus
Executive Director
Golden Gate Salmon Association
From Secretary John Laird:
Natural Resources Secretary John Laird issued the following statement on the introduction today of the California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein:
“Senator Feinstein has provided real leadership on an issue that’s critical to our future in California. Much of Senator Feinstein’s legislation would advance the Governor’s five-year Water Action Plan and build upon the investments California voters endorsed when they overwhelmingly passed Proposition 1. The Senator’s proposed investments in water recycling and desalination plants and construction of additional storage would help build resilience for inevitable extremes, whether drought or flood. Senator Feinstein has been a valuable partner over many years, and we look forward to continuing to work with her and all the stakeholders as the legislation moves forward in the regular legislative process.”
From Congressman Kevin McCarthy:
Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on Senator Dianne Feinstein’s introduced California water bill:
“The House passed legislation last July to take advantage of El Nino storms and help Californians get the water we desperately need. I look forward to Senator Feinstein working to ensure this latest bill moves through the Senate so the House and Senate can go to conference on California water legislation. We are finally seeing rain in California, but we are losing – and not capturing – water to the ocean. My colleagues and I stand ready to work together to meet the challenge our state faces. ”
From Congressman Jerry McNerney:
Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) issued the following statement in response to Senator Dianne Feinstein introducing her revised drought relief bill:
“California’s severe drought, the resulting water shortages, and the inevitability of future droughts require us to pursue solutions that create new water and enhance regional sustainability across the state. I am encouraged to see that Senator Feinstein’s revised legislation includes provisions to boost water recycling and desalination projects to move us in that direction. I have championed expanding water recycling and other efforts to create new water that will make more efficient use of our existing water supply and help alleviate pressure on the Delta’s fragile resources. When it comes to California water policy, my number one concern is any outcome that would negatively impact the Delta, its ecosystem, farmers, and economy. As this legislation moves forward, I will keep these priorities in mind and continue working with all stakeholders to put California on the path toward a more sustainable water future.”
From Metropolitan Water District:
Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issued the following statement regarding the federal drought legislation introduced today by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.):
“Metropolitan applauds Sen. Feinstein for her continued efforts and hard work on California’s epic drought and we particularly commend the Senator for reaching out to water agencies, the environmental community and other stakeholders in an effort to find consensus on legislation that would address our water supply challenges.
This proposed legislation would provide much-needed funding for projects that are critical to our future. Most importantly, the bill would support California’s co-equal goals of protecting the environment in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and providing reliable water supplies.”
From Senator David Valadao:
Today, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) released the following statement in response to legislation introduced by Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA), the California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act:
“It has been more than two months since Senator Feinstein promised to release water legislation. Today, she finally introduced her drought relief proposal.
“The Senators legislation focuses on desalination, recycling, and protecting the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While these are admirable goals in areas such as San Francisco, this legislation will not provide those suffering from the drought with the water supply they so desperately need.
“Within her nine-page press release, Senator Feinstein states, “These provisions will help make the water delivery system more efficient during the drought, and do so without any mandated pumping levels.”
“Californians can no longer depend on federal and state bureaucrats to make decisions regarding water delivery. Mandated pumping levels are absolutely necessary to ensure a secure, reliable water supply to the areas most in need.
“With millions of gallons of water flowing out into the ocean every day, failing to increase water flows to the Central Valley is simply unacceptable. While Senator Feinstein’s legislation fails to provide real water to my constituents, I hope she is able to secure passage of the legislation in the Senate so that the two Chambers may go to Conference and reconcile the differences between both bills.”
Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.
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