David Valadao Commends Landmark Action to Restore Water Deliveries to Central Valley

Press Release

After six years and numerous legislative attempts to restore water delivers to California's Central Valley, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) joined Central Valley Representatives as President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Memorandum promoting the reliable supply and delivery of water in California and the entire western United States.

Following the signing, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) released the following statement:

"After years of fighting obstruction from California Senators, this Executive action is a giant leap toward reducing regulatory burdens and improving water deliveries to California's Central Valley. I am proud our efforts have effectuated such substantial progress. With a reliable water supply, we can restore fallowed fields into fertile farmland, put Californian's back to work, and give all Central Valley families the opportunity they deserve."

Specifically, the Administration will expedite biological opinions for the Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project in California. In doing so, ensuring California farmers, and as a result, entire communities, have the certainty needed to grow.

Furthermore, the Presidential Memorandum will direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to reduce regulatory burdens by:

Streamline regulatory processes and remove unnecessary burdens

Develop a timeline for completing compliance requirements for major water storage projects

Expedite ongoing environmental reviews

Convene water experts and resource managers to develop an action plan for improving seasonal forecasts of water availability

Expand the use of technologies to improve the delivery of water and power

Consider the views of local operators during hydroelectric relicensing proceedings

The Central Valley Project supplies water for more than 3 million acres of land in Central California, supporting seven of the top 10 agricultural counties in the state. Additionally, the Project supplies water for approximately 2.5 million Valley residents annually through its municipal and industrial water service.

Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District of California, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.

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