House Committee Passes California Water Supply & Storage Measure

Washington, DC – Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today voted in favor of H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, legislation he cosponsored to address the historic water supply crisis afflicting California and much of the American West. The proposal carefully respects North State water rights and addresses the current crisis while also preparing for future water supply needs. The measure passed with bipartisan support on a 23-12 vote and will now be considered on the House floor.

"As the product of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, this legislation protects Northern Californian water rights, adds operational flexibility to the Central Valley Project, and advances surface water storage projects, including Sites Reservoir in Northern California," said LaMalfa. "This balanced proposal includes reforms providing immediate relief to the millions of Californians facing mandatory water rationing and invests in new water storage facilities to prepare for future droughts."

"Californians aren't rationing water solely due to the drought, this crisis is also the result of outdated regulatory hurdles that prioritize the environment over people," LaMalfa added. "While the severity of the crisis has only grown over recent months, I'm pleased at the speed with which the committee addressed this legislation and look forward to working with the Senate to put this measure on the President's desk."

Rep. LaMalfa's opening statement in the House Natural Resources Committee can be viewed here.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

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