Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment to the Senate bill that is before us.

California is in a true state of emergency when it comes to water. We are in a multiyear drought. And even after this winter's El Nino, only one of our State's reservoirs are filled to capacity.

The drought is having a serious impact on families, on farms, on farmers, on fishers, and on businesses across California. We need science-based, long-term solutions to our State's water challenges, and this bill is not the solution.

It won't help our State to improve water efficiency and make the most of the water that we have. It is based on the misguided assumption that our water crisis can be remedied by pumping more water south. The truth is we haven't pumped more water south because there simply isn't enough water. We are in a drought.

The provisions we are debating today redefine the standard by which the Endangered Species Act is applied. This will weaken the law, increase the risk of species extinction, and lead to costly litigation.

You will hear the other side talk about how this is necessary because we are letting millions of gallons of water wash out to sea in order to protect fish when that water could have been pumped to farmers in California's Central Valley.

The reality is that water needs to keep moving through the delta so that saltwater doesn't wash in, jeopardizing water quality for farms and for communities, including cities in my district that rely on the delta for their freshwater supply.

It is important to note that this bill sets a dangerous precedent for every other State in our country. California has a system of water management rules that have endured for a long time, but this bill overrides water regulations developed by Californians themselves, and tells local resource managers and water districts how to administer their water supplies.

If we pass this bill, we are telling every State in America that we are okay with the Federal Government undermining local experts and State laws from coast to coast.

We need real solutions that are based on science and that work for everyone. If you can set the science aside in California, you can do it anywhere. You have no protection for your resources.

This isn't about farmers versus fish. It is about saving salmon, saving cities in the delta, delta farmers, north of delta farmers, and resources across our country.

I am not insensitive to the supply and demand reality of California's water. I understand the concerns of Central Valley farmers. Remember, I am one. Ag is big in my district, too. But if your well runs dry, the solution isn't to steal water from your neighbors.

This bill isn't the solution. It is bad for the millions who depend on the delta for their livelihoods, it is bad for California, and it is bad for States across our country.

I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this measure.

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