While Congress was in recess this week, the House Natural Resources Committee was in Fresno holding a field hearing on drought conditions in the San Joaquin Valley. Witnesses from local government, water districts, farmers, and private citizens urged the committee to address immediate and long-term solutions to the drought. 

Last month, the House passed legislation that would ease environmental restrictions on water delivery, but the bill stands no chance of being considered in the Senate. Senators Boxer and Feinstein have introduced drought relief legislation (S. 2016) that would provide additional funding and more flexibility within existing programs and regulations to maximize water delivery. Rep. Jim Costa (R-Fresno) has introduced similar legislation in the House (H.R. 4039).

Detailed information on the hearing, including Member and Witness Statements can be accessed here.

For additional information, please contact RCRC Senior Legislative Advocate Paul A. Smith at 916.447.4806 or psmith@rcrcnet.org.