McNerney Stands Up For Delta Farmers, Against A Peripheral Canal

Statement

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) today spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to express his strong opposition to a peripheral canal in the San Joaquin Delta region. In his remarks, Rep. McNerney also shared his strong support for landowners in the Delta area who are fighting attempts by the State of California to conduct surveys and studies without permission on private land.

The text of Congressman McNerney's remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise to stand shoulder to shoulder with landowners from the San Joaquin Delta who are fighting against the peripheral canal. Without permission, the state is sending its employees onto private farmland to conduct the surveys and studies it would need to build a canal. Delta farmers aren't standing for it. Delta farmers have taken their case to the courts, and I urge them to keep fighting for their property rights and the health of our Delta.

"A peripheral canal or tunnel that takes large amounts of fresh water from the Delta would devastate families, farmers, and businesses in our community. A canal will cause saltwater intrusion, destroy thousands of acres of farmland, and devastate our water quality. It's time for state and federal agencies to respect the Delta and its people. We won't tolerate anything less."

Source