U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said on Friday that California must find a lasting solution to the state’s pressing drought-related water shortages in the wake of statewide mandatory water restrictions imposed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
“The current drought in California is devastating. Today’s order from the governor should not only alarm Californians, but the entire nation should take notice that the most productive agriculture state in the country has entered uncharted territory,” McCarthy said. “ We have experienced extreme drought conditions in years past, but thanks to the most sophisticated water system in the country that captured and stored water during the wet years for use during the dry years, our communities and farmers survived. Unfortunately, state officials have turned their back on this proven infrastructure system.”
In 2014, the House passed emergency water legislation that would allow Californians to capture storm and rain water from early-season storms. This legislation was later thwarted in the Senate.
“I’m from the Central Valley, and we know that we cannot conserve or ration our way out of this drought. It is time for action, and House Republicans are developing another legislative proposal to help put California water policy back on the path to common sense,” McCarthy said. “Given today’s announcement, this time, I hope Governor Brown, Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein will join my colleagues and me in this effort.”