Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Governor Brown's signing of Historic Groundwater Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 16, 2014

CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Governor Brown's signing of Historic Groundwater Legislation

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following statement after Governor Jerry Brown signed into law SB 1168 (Pavley), SB 1319 (Pavley), and AB 1739 (Dickinson), a package of bills designed to regulate groundwater pumping in California:

"I am pleased that Governor Jerry Brown signed into law legislation imposing crucial new regulations regarding groundwater pumping. These bills will empower local agencies with the ability to manage groundwater pumping, shutdown harmful wells, and impose fines for failing to allow inspections. With our state mired in a drought crisis, groundwater accounts for almost 60 percent of all fresh water consumed. If we allow this precious resource to be completely drained, it will devastate California's communities, economy, and environment. The legislation signed into law today gives the state a crucial tool to ensure a long-term adequate water supply.andquot;

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