Rep. Costa Supports Effort to Pass California Water Legislation

Press Release

Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement in response to Rep. John Garamendi (CA-3) introducing the California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act (H.R. 5247), House companion legislation to Senator Feinstein's bill, S.2533.

"In order to get a California water bill passed and signed into law, our nation's Senators must understand that there is support for Senator Dianne Feinstein's legislation amongst California Representatives in the House, and that is why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 5247," said Rep. Costa. "There is room for improvement in Senator Feinstein's legislation, especially provisions related to short-term fixes that would provide more accountability in how California's water system is operated year to year, but if Congress is going to be able to provide some relief to the people of California, we must continue moving forward, and the passage of S.2533 would undoubtedly be an important step in the right direction. Once S.2533 is passed out of the Senate, the House and Senate will have the opportunity to go to conference to resolve differences in the legislation."

Costa continued saying, "I have consistently fought to bring more water to our San Joaquin Valley and that includes supporting legislation like the California water bill that the House passed last year. It is my hope that my colleagues will put aside their political differences and join me in supporting the California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act, because fixing California's water system is dependent upon it."

The California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act would provide $1.3 billion in funding and support for desalination, recycling efforts, and water storage projects, like Temperance Flat and the expansion of San Luis Reservoir. The bill also would direct state and federal agencies to maximize water supplies during the short-term while not violating environmental laws that protect threatened and endangered species. Additionally, the legislation includes language that would provide for more scientifically managed reservoir operations and would allow for the raise of the spillway gates at New Exchequer Dam in Merced County. The legislation would also complement the ongoing efforts made by the recent passage of the California Water Bond.

In addition to cosponsoring H.R. 5247, Rep. Costa joined other Members of the California Congressional delegation in sending a letter expressing support for S.2533 to Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

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