McCarthy Statement on California Water in the Energy and Water Appropriations Act of 2017
Washington, DC – (RealEstateRama) — House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statement upon the release of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2017, which includes language to deliver water to California’s Central Valley and southern Californian communities while protecting water rights:
“El Nino storms this year have provided a welcome departure from previous years of devastating drought. Unfortunately what has remained consistent are regulatory decisions that release more water flow out to the Pacific Ocean. It is the duty of our state’s leaders to pursue every possible avenue of relief for our struggling communities to get the water we desperately need. For years now, California Republicans have offered serious proposals that have passed the House. Unfortunately each time our Senators failed to meet the moment. I am hopeful this time will be different.
“Appropriations bills put the power of the purse in the hands of Congress to prioritize the policy of the federal government to meet the needs of our constituents. The inclusion of California water provisions in the FY17 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill is the latest effort by my Californian Republican colleagues and me to press for solutions and, once passed by the House, offers the Senate another chance to consider this important legislation. This year El Nino storms have blessed our state with rain and snow. But the Bureau of Reclamation has pumped less this year than last year when we faced historic dry periods.
“The gravity of the circumstances cannot be understated. Recent statements from Senator Feinstein that acknowledge more pumping is needed gives me confidence that should the Senate consider its own Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, both chambers can reach a solution. The House Appropriations Subcommittee consideration of this bill is an important step to providing water to all corners of the Golden State.”
