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House Drought Bill Disastrous for Environment
Today Representative Valadao (R-CA) introduced a so-called drought relief bill that could have devastating impacts on California’s rapidly-dwindling wetlands and imperiled wildlife, especially salmon and migratory birds. The bill overrides critical federal endangered species protections and undermines environmental laws under the guise of making more water available for consumption
State expands funding for incentives to protect vulnerable homes and property from earthquakes
Governor Jerry Brown signed the 2015-2016 budget yesterday, which included $3 million in funding to expand the Earthquake Brace and Bolt (EBB)program and clarified that the program's grants are income-tax exempt at the state level. This expansion represents an important public investment in the protection of Californians from the dangers of earthquakes
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Keeps After-School Programs Open All Summer
Recognizing that research has shown low-income students lose more academic skills over summer than their middle-class peers, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing will continue operating its Youth Education Enhancement Program (YEEP) at learning centers at eight of its affordable rental complexes throughout the summer, serving 240 students
Knight Dives Into Water Legislation
Congressman Part of Legislative Effort to Provide Drought Relief to California. Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) is an original cosponsor of a bill that would set up a framework to provide relief from California’s drought crisis.
Mayor Garcetti and Metro Board Announce L.A. County Bike Share
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, voted today to award a $11 million contract to Bicycle Transit Systems, Inc. to launch bike sharing in Downtown L.A.
Boxer Statement on House Republican Water Bill
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today released the following statement on the new House Republican water bill: “It’s unfortunate that House Republicans – with much fanfare – are rolling out a bill that is the same-old, same-old and will only reignite the water wars.
Rep. Royce Cosponsors Legislation to Modernize California Water Infrastructure
U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) released the following statement after the introduction of H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, a comprehensive plan to reevaluate and renew California's current water infrastructure
California Republicans Introduce Legislation to Improve Western Water Reliability
Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) joined his California Republican colleagues in introducing a bill to modernize water policies in California and throughout the entire Western United States.
Congressman Garamendi Introduces Drought, Invasive Species, and Conservation Measures for Bill on House Floor
Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a former Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department, introduced amendments to a bill that appropriates funds for Interior, Forest Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency for Fiscal Year 2016.
Statement on Introduction of Western Water Bill from House Republicans
Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a former Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department, released the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, a bill from House Republicans that would significantly impact western water law
Northern California Delegation Statement on House GOP Water Bill
Northern California Representatives Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Doris Matsui (CA-06), and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) released the following statement in response to the House GOP water bill
Denham, California Republicans Introduce Legislation to Improve Western Water Reliability
U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) joined colleagues today in introducing a bill to modernize water policies in California and throughout the entire Western United States. The bill has the support of the entire California Republican delegation, the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, and Chairman of the Western Caucus.
Costa Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Water to the Valley
Rep. Jim Costa joined Rep. David Valadao in introducing H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015. This legislation, which will make more water available to families, farmers, and communities, will modernize water policies in California and throughout the entire Western United States.
DWR to Hold Public Meeting Webinar on Turf Replacement Initiative
In response to California’s continuing drought and the Governor’s April 1 drought executive order, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) invites the public to a July 2 meeting to comment on the design of a statewide initiative, in partnership with local agencies, to collectively replace 50 million square feet of lawns and ornamental turf with drought tolerant landscapes
Valadao, California Republicans Introduce Legislation to Improve Western Water Reliability
On Thursday, June 25, 2015, Congressmen David G. Valadao (CA-21) introduced a bill to modernize water policies in California and throughout the entire Western United States with the support of the entire California Republican delegation, the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, and Chairman of the Western Caucus
DWR Announces Final Funding Awards for Grants to Save Water and Energy
The grants will help California respond to the immediate drought while building resiliency to cope with future droughts and climate change. They are DWR’s first grants using proceeds from California’s cap-and-trade program for combating climate change.
Barrasso Introduces Bill to Increase Dam Safety, Water Storage
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), introduced the Dam Authorization, Maintenance and Safety (DAMS) Act of 2015 (S. 1657). The bill would help improve dam safety while potentially expanding water storage capabilities in Wyoming and throughout the West. U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA) introduced the companion bill (H.R. 2749) in the House of Representatives on June 12, 2015
Mayor Faulconer Hires New Chief to Lead Infrastructure and Public Works
Gomez will oversee engineering services, including technical and operational support, design and construction for the City's Capital Improvements Program. She will also manage the development of public infrastructure and facilities. Her first day is July 6
Rep. Mimi Walters Works to Curb EPA Overreach
U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) today spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act. This bipartisan bill would protect states and consumers from EPA regulatory overreach and higher electricity bills. H.R. 2042 passed in the U.S. House by a vote of 247-180 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.
Rep. Roybal-Allard Amendment to Fund Child Poverty Study Approved By Committee
At today’s House Appropriations Committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2016 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill, the Committee passed an amendment introduced by Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) to fund a comprehensive, non-partisan National Academy of Sciences (NAS) study of child poverty in the United States.