Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Speaker Boehner's So-Called Emergency Drought Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 22, 2014

CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Speaker Boehner's So-Called Emergency Drought Legislation

Legislation is a water grab that would jeopardize northern California Water Rights; gut the Endangered Species Act and harm the Delta

CA - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) issued the following statement in response to the emergency drought legislation introduced today by Speaker John Boehner, Whip Kevin McCarthy and Representatives Devin Nunes and David Valadao:

"There is no question that we need serious proposals to tackle California's long-term water woes. Unfortunately, the legislation introduced today by Speaker Boehner and three other House Republicans is not the answer.

"This proposal is a water grab, plain and simple. Modeled after legislation that failed last Congress, it throws out the Endangered Species Act, and would allow more water to be pumped from the Delta, regardless of whether or not the Delta has the water to spare. Just as important, the proposal will jeopardize northern California water rights.

"Sucking the Delta dry is not the answer to California's water issues. We need long-term solutions that will benefit the entire state, and should be working together to solve California's water problems through a balanced approach. This proposal is anything but balanced and will only create further discord."

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