Yesterday’s introduction of H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015 is welcomed news for the people of the parched state of California and the Central Valley.
Authored by Congressman David Valadao (CA-21), the bill is a regional, collaborative and bi-partisan effort that will ease the water supply issues plaguing communities, schools, farms, farm laborers and the people of California. California representatives Ken Calvert, Jim Costa, Jeff Denham, Doug LaMalfa, Kevin McCarthy, Tom McClintock and Devin Nunes also deserve special recognition for their attention to the water needs of the state of California and for their efforts as co-sponsors of this legislation.
In a demonstration of solidarity, an unprecedented number of water agencies in the Central Valley have come together to express support for swift passage of the bill.
“Through its work with Mr. Valadao and the co-sponsors of this legislation, Westlands knows that they are genuinely interested in working with their colleagues in the Senate to find a legislative solution to the chronic water supply shortages that have devastated the San Joaquin Valley and other regions of the state. The district looks forward to working with both the House and the Senate to advance common-sense solutions that serve the interests of all Californians.” Don Peracchi, Chairman of the Board, Westlands Water District
“San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority is heartened by the introduction of the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015 by Representative David Valadao and other members of the House of Representatives, and encourages quick passage of this legislation. The state of California is facing unprecedented drought conditions, and this legislation would provide much needed relief for the people, businesses and communities served by the public water agencies that receive water from these projects.” Michael Stearns, Chairman, San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority
“Congressmen Valadao and McCarthy have crafted a bill that will improve water supplies for the Valley and require reason and common sense to be part of future decisions on water supply. It is an approach that should appeal to members of Congress from both parties who want to see balance restored to decisions about western water supplies.” Ted R. Page, Board President, Kern County Water Agency
“We applaud the efforts of Congressman Valadao, Congressman McCarthy, and many others in their bipartisan effort to address a California water supply system that is clearly not in balance. HR 2898 is a wonderful first step, and we encourage the Senate to take similar action to continue the debate and take eventual action to provide tangible benefits to all of California. We look forward to helping to resolve remaining issues and getting final action in both houses of Congress.” Dan Vink, South Valley Water Association
“Time is running out for many of our farms and communities. Our people are desperate. We need solutions that will provide real water for our area, and we need them now. It is imperative that the California Congressional Delegation develop drought legislation that can be passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by the president this year. For that reason, the Friant Water Authority Board of Directors applauds the introduction of the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, and fully supports its prompt passage by the House of Representatives. This bill is a critically important first step. As it advances, Friant is eager to work with the House and the Senate to reach drought legislation that will provide real relief for the 2016 water year and beyond.” Eric Borba, Chair, Friant Water Authority
“The Exchange Contractors appreciate the efforts of Rep. Valadao and others to introduce the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015. We look forward to continuing to work with the members of the California delegation on a solution to improve our collective water supply. We applaud local efforts being made by the federal agencies, but we need long-term water policy that provides a reliable water supply to California and fully support the prompt passage of the bill. The Exchange Contractors look forward to passage of practical common-sense legislation based on sound science so the water needs of the people of the state of California are met.” Steve Chedester, Executive Director, San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority