The drought has brought a decades old California water struggle to the attention of the nation's lawmakers. The debate brought bitter accusations within the California delegation. Republicans claim environmentalists care more about fish than farmers. Doug LaMalfa of Richvale says Democrats aren't offering any solutions.
“The minority has offered amendments that would do nothing to address this crisis. Indeed their proposals would only put more roadblocks and more red tape between Californians and the water they need.”
Democrats accuse the GOP of trying to undercut California’s Constitution. Elk Grove Democratic Ami Bera says he's still hoping Congress can come up with something better.
“This is just a horrible bill – this is just a water grab. Taking water from one community where it doesn’t exist in Northern California to give to another community, that’s not solving or creating new water.”
The House passed bill isn't expected to go anywhere in the Democratic controlled Senate.
Read HR 3964 Here
Twitter Discussion:
@RepDavidValadao bill HR 3964 to aid and allow stored water to reach ag and other people uses was just approved by a 229-191 vote, congrats!
— Doug LaMalfa (@DougLaMalfa) February 5, 2014
RT to say NO to the water grab! No water to spare, but some politicians want to send more #CAWater south. #Drought pic.twitter.com/3XcPcndqHi
— Congressman Ami Bera (@RepBera) February 5, 2014
Related Stories
Climate change whiplash could mean more flooding, water-management challenges in California
January 28, 2022Last year, California saw everything from intense drought to torrential rain. Researchers and water agencies say that the future of the state’s drought depends on adapting to these shifts.
Winged warning: Migrating birds hit hard by California’s drought
November 11, 2021As the drought dries up California’s wetlands, traveling birds such as ducks, geese and eagles are struggling to survive and breed. “This drought is bad. The odds are against us,” a state expert said.
Water Shortages: Why Some Californians Are Running Out In 2021 And Others Aren’t
June 23, 2021Drought resilience depends on location but also extraordinary engineering — determining which California places are running out of water this year and which remain in good shape.
As Drought Intensifies, State Warns Users To Stop Pumping Water From Major Rivers
June 17, 2021About 4,300 users were issued notices to halt diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
California’s Reservoirs Face Dangerously Low Levels
June 5, 2021Experts say the current drought is hotter and drier than previous ones, meaning water is evaporating faster.
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
