Congresswoman Matsui Argues Against H.R. 3964 the So-Called "Emergency Drought" Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Argues Against H.R. 3964 the So-Called "Emergency Drought" Legislation
Legislation is a water grab that undermines California water laws, would jeopardize northern California Water Rights; gut the Endangered Species Act and harm the Delta
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to H.R. 3964, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act. Rep. Matsui's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are as follows:
"M. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3964.
"California is currently experiencing a record drought.
"Up until just last Thursday, it had been 54 days without rain in my district of Sacramento. That is almost 2 months without rain. To put this in context, Sacramento is experiencing a 130 year record for low rainfall, a record that dates back to 1884.
"With 2013 being the driest year on record since the Gold Rush, and 2014 being the third year of a drought cycle, we are being pushed to make do with less water than ever before.
"A statewide drought emergency has been declared, and my district of Sacramento is doing its part by instituting a mandatory reduction in water use. My constituents are required by law now to reduce their water use 20-30%, fines for multiple offenders will reach $1,000.
"Moreover, in the Sacramento region, the Folsom Reservoir is at dangerously low levels, and is currently at only 17 percent of capacity.
"Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet to solving California's water issues. The issue of water in California has been debated for many decades because it is such a critical issue for the state.
"As the daughter of a Central Valley farmer who grew up on a farm, I deeply understand the value of -- and the controversy over -- water.
"In Northern California, we have done our best to balance our watershed to provide water for our farms, our cities and habitat.
"To say this bill will help the drought is grossly misleading, and frankly, irresponsible.
"M. Speaker, even if we pumped as much water south as possible, it still wouldn't be enough. The problem is a lack of rain. There is simply no more water to pump from the Delta.
"M.Speaker, instead of working together, this bill only further divides our state.
"My district, the City of Sacramento, the Sacramento region, and Northern California as a whole, strongly opposes this bill.
"Some of the concerns include the loss of the state's right to manage its own water, the decimation of environmental protections for our Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the ability to manage Folsom Reservoir for the benefit the Sacramento metropolitan area, and, most importantly, the overall instability that this bill will create in California.
"We cannot afford to give up California's right to control its own water future. The stakes are too high.
"I urge my colleagues to strongly reject this legislation."
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