Rep. Calvert Statement on Feinstein Water Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 31, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to Senator Diane Feinstein’s (D-CA) introduction the California Emergency Drought Relief Act:

“The drought bill our California Senators introduced yesterday is a constructive step in the right direction, and while I do have concerns regarding aspects of the bill, I look forward to working with leaders in the House and Senate to advance drought legislation‎ in the fall.”

On July 16, 2015, Rep. Calvert voted along with a majority (245 – 176) of the House of Representatives to pass the Western Water and American Food Security Act, H.R. 2898.

According to Senator Feinstein’s office, the following provisions were included in her legislation and are similar to those in H.R. 2898:

· Storage projects: Establishes deadlines for the Bureau of Reclamation to complete feasibility studies to allow CalFed storage projects to compete for Proposition 1 bond funds.

· Monitoring for smelt: During periods when water turbidity is high and smelt are likely to move near pumps, scientists must daily monitor for the presence of the fish. Pumps may only run at high levels when smelt are not present.

· Reviewing transfers and barriers: Environmental reviews of water transfers and the installation and removal of temporary barriers will be expedited. These reviews will ensure these actions are consistent with environmental laws.

· Cross-Channel Gates: Delta Cross-Channel Gates may only be opened for additional time if doing so remains consistent with water quality-related orders issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.

· Water transfers: Water transfers sent into the Delta in April and May can only be withdrawn at a 1:1 ratio if the transfers adhere to environmental law and biological opinions. The water covered by the 1:1 ratio must be additional flow on top of the regular flow of the river, and the environmental effects of the transferred water must be permissible under applicable law.