U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) introduced the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015 on June 25, legislation that seeks to reform water policies in California and throughout the entire western United States.
The bill, HR 2898, aims to make more water available to families, farmers and communities in California and bordering states. A significant obstacle to water delivery in central and southern California is the dedication of large quantities of water to protect certain fish listed under the Endangered Species Act, Valadao said. The bill would require federal agencies to use current data when making regulatory decisions, which will result in more water for communities in need.
“California’s drought has devastated communities throughout the Central Valley and now the consequences are extending throughout the country. Inaction will result in the collapse of our domestic food supply,” Valadao said in a written statement. “Congress cannot make it rain but we can enact policies that expand our water infrastructure, allow for more water conveyance and utilize legitimate science to ensure a reliable water supply for farmers and families.”
Additionally, the legislation will provide federal regulators with flexibility to capture water during periods of heavy precipitation, which can be used to increase California’s water supplies. “Furthermore, the bill will cut red tape holding back major water storage projects that have been authorized for over a decade, which will aid the western United States during dry years,” the statement said.
The legislation drew support from the entire California Republican delegation, the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and chairman of the Western Caucus.
“The tragedy of the current drought is no longer isolated to California’s Central Valley, and its response must include tangible solutions that provide us the opportunity to pursue the California dream,” said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, in praising the legislation. He called the bill an important step to helping restore the water that California communities desperately need.