Congressman David Valadao has authored H.R. 5781 which was introduced on the House Floor last night (December 2, 2014). A first reading of the bill reveals that it does little to "solve water shortages" resulting from the drought, but it does alter how environmental protection statutes are implemented and enforced for the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary.
It also contains language to expedite Federal review of storage projects (within a 30 day window) which could have a negative impact on the availability of flows into the Delta and that could be used according to a recent UC Davis report to provide additional water for Governor Brown's proposed twin Delta tunnels. It also allows for expedited water transfers which puts the health of our Northern California rivers and groundwater supplies at stake, especially during times of extended drought.
Original cosponsors of the legislation include Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-21), Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), Ken Calvert (CA-42), Jim Costa (CA-16), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-04), and Devin Nunes (CA-22).
Please call your Congressional Rep and tell them you oppose H.R. 5781. (Click here to read the bill)
>> Find your representative's phone number by typing in your zip code here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ <<
Please call Senator Feinstein and let her know that you are counting on her to make sure that the regular order is followed for drought relief legislation and to ensure that Congress will hear from all sides as she promised last week.
Please call Senator Boxer and let her know that you are counting on her to protect SF Bay-Delta water quality standards for public health, family farming, and fisheries which are the backbone of the San Francisco Bay-Delta tourist economy.
Senator Dianne Feinstein (California): (202) 224-3841
Senator Barbara Boxer (California): (202) 224-3553
Thank you.