Costa, Cardoza React to Water and Power Subcommittee Hearing, New Water Allocation

FRESNO, CA – Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) released the following statement:

"We are pleased with the decision by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings and Water and Power Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock to hold a hearing in Fresno on the impact of burdensome regulations on the water supply of the San Joaquin Valley. Nothing demonstrates the devastating impact of these regulations more than the Bureau of Reclamation's announcement today of just 5% more water for our Valley.

"When the President flies to San Francisco next month, we hope he takes the time to look out the window and see the impact his Administration is having on the forgotten San Joaquin Valley's water supply. Unlike previous years when federal officials could legitimately claim that water supply reductions were due, in part, to drought conditions, this year demonstrates the draconian impact these regulations have on the people who live and work on the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley.

"The Bureau's announcement is no doubt helpful, but it underscores how truly broken California's water system really is. With abundant rain and above average snowpack, a 55% allocation just won't cut it. When other federal service areas are receiving 100% of their water and the State Water Project predicts a 70% allocation, it is clear the system is broken, period. It can be fixed. If the Administration would follow our recommendations alone, we could receive up to an additional 200,000 acre feet of water that could be put to good use this summer.

"The fight for water is an issue that touches the life of virtually every person who lives and works in the San Joaquin Valley - not just farmers and farm workers. The time for political gamesmanship and damaging rhetoric is over. Working with the Senate, we must come together in good faith to find real, bipartisan solutions. We are hopeful that the hearing held here in Fresno will provide important information to help identify those solutions."