Rep. McNerney Continues the Fight to Protect the Delta Against California Drought Rider
Press Release
Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) continued his fight to protect the Delta and families, farms, and businesses that rely upon it. Rep. McNerney spoke on the floor to criticize Republicans for attaching a last-minute rider to a bipartisan bill that would weaken environmental protections for salmon and other native fisheries in the Delta, while doing nothing to address California's ongoing water shortages.
"As the Representative of the California Delta, I have witnessed a troubling pattern of attacks against the health of the Delta and the communities it supports. This week, House Republicans attached a California drought rider to S. 612, otherwise known as the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act. This highly controversial language was developed behind closed doors without input from the communities most impacted. This rider would devastate the Delta, exacerbate salinity intrusion and water quality issues, and pick winners and losers in an already drought-stressed State," said Rep. McNerney. Representatives from Washington, Oregon, and Arizona including the ranking members of all relevant committees have joined California to speak out about the damage this legislation would do in their states, including the devastation it would bring to the Pacific fishing industry, fisheries, and natural habitats."
"Although the bill has passed the House, I'm hoping the Senate is able to remove this damaging provision especially considering the agenda of a Republican controlled Congress and the incoming Administration. Instead of pitting communities against each other, we need to support conservation programs, water recycling initiatives, and stormwater capture projects. We must prioritize solutions that involve all stakeholders," said Rep. McNerney.
Yesterday, Rep. McNerney led members from California, Oregon, Arizona in sending a letter to President Obama urging his Administration to issue a veto threat to S. 612, the WIIN Act, otherwise known as the WRDA bill.
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