U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) issued the following statement on a meeting he has convened with key Congressional leaders to discuss Klamath Basin water issues:
"All year, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and I have worked closely with a broad range of parties in the Klamath Basin and key leaders in the Congress to find a path forward to solve the long running water problems in the Basin.
"Tomorrow, Sen. Merkley and I have convened a meeting with key leaders in the Congress to discuss a way forward. Attendees will include Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee (which has jurisdiction over this issue), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) whose Northern California district includes three out of the four dams slated to be removed under the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) and a large portion of Klamath Basin water users. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will also attend, along with Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.).
"During this session of Congress, neither committee of jurisdiction in the Senate or the House has taken any legislative action regarding the KBRA."