After declaring that environmentalists have never been helpful in setting water policy, Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) drought relief legislation won passage last week in the Senate. Feinstein’s bill differs significantly from the drought bill passed earlier this year in the House that waives environmental mandates to provide more water to southern California and the Central Valley. Differences in the two bills will challenge the ability of House and Senate leaders to reach consensus in time to address drought conditions this summer.
For additional information on federal issues, please contact RCRC Senior Legislative Advocate Paul A. Smith at(916) 447-4806 or psmith@rcrcnet.org.