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California Congressmen Propose Drought Relief Legislation

  •  Amy Quinton 
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 | Sacramento, CA
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Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
 

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The Republican-backed legislation would allow Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta pumps to continue to send water to the Central Valley as long as water is available.

Those pumps are sending minimal water to the valley now because of low reservoir levels and river flows, not environmental regulations that protect endangered fish.

The bill would also stop the restoration of the San Joaquin River until 2015.

Shawn Coburn of Firebaugh farms in three counties in the valley and uses water from two federal systems.

“It’s like closing the gate after the cow has gotten out, it’s a little bit late now, but anything is better than nothing,” says Coburn.

Environmentalists and several Democratic House members called the legislation a “water grab” and an attempt to throw out the Endangered Species Act.

“Sucking the Delta dry is not the answer to California’s water issues," said Democratic Congresswoman Doris Matsui in a statement. "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.”

The legislation is backed by Congressmen Devin Nunes, Kevin McCarthy and David Valadao. 

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    More about drought

  • State Of Drought

    Reservoir levels are at historic lows, municipalities are ordering mandatory conservation and farmers are bracing for water shortages. CapRadio is following how Californians are being impacted by the drought.

    Related Stories

  • State Of Drought

    Reservoir levels are at historic lows, municipalities are ordering mandatory conservation and farmers are bracing for water shortages. CapRadio has coverage on how Californians are being impacted by the drought.

 droughtcapitolenvironment

Amy Quinton

Former Environment Reporter

Amy came to Sacramento from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) where she was Environment Reporter. Amy has also reported for NPR member stations WFAE in Charlotte, WAMU in Washington D.C. and American Public Media's "Marketplace."  Read Full Bio 

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