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LaMalfa Supports Independent Investigation into Oroville Dam in Appropriations Measure

September 27, 2018
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement in support of language that was included in the Energy and Water appropriations bill report that requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to conduct an independent inspection and review of the Oroville Dam facility. The bill was recently signed into law by President Trump.
LaMalfa said: "The previous forensic report raised many concerns with regards to the safety and design of the Oroville Dam, but I believe a completely independent investigation is required in which there are no current or former employees of DWR involved. That could be a conflict of interest, and ensuring that this process is thorough is absolutely necessary when it concerns the involvement of federal dollars and the safety of nearby residents."
The language include in the bill states that:
FERC shall require the licensee of Oroville Dam to request the United States Society on Dams to nominate independent consultants to prepare a level 2 risk analysis, consistent with the Commission's guidelines, for use in conducting the next Part 12 safety review of Oroville Dam, currently scheduled for 2019. FERC shall ensure the independence of the nominated consultants from the licensee.
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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