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Nunes Announces Plan to Restore San Joaquin River

Date: Nov. 30, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Environment Natural Resources


Nunes Announces Plan to Restore San Joaquin River

Today, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, released a draft proposal that restores the San Joaquin River. The proposal, which would put an end to the long standing legal dispute over the river's restoration, is based on the goals articulated within the Settlement Agreement approved by the Friant Water Users Authority and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

"I appreciate the hard work of settling parties throughout this complex and long fought dispute. The Settlement Agreement represents significant progress. However, it is essential for Congress to examine the broader interests," said Nunes.

Congressman Nunes has been outspoken in his desire that legislation implementing the Settlement be subject to extensive review and public debate. Following his review of the Settlement, Rep. Nunes developed a compromise proposal that not only fully restores the San Joaquin River but also mitigates for water losses and protects the Central Valley economy.

"The truth is that we know water losses are going to happen under the Settlement but what is less clear is how we will replace that water. The Settlement's ‘plan to have a plan later' is not enough. Who will lose water? What will the economic impacts be if we can't reclaim lost water? I think it is important for us to answer these questions now, in this legislation, and to make certain that lost water is replaced on a set timeline. We need more than a plan to restore a river. We need a plan to have lasting environmental benefits to this region that do not result in economic ruin to farmers and communities already prone to water reductions in dry years," said Nunes.

Rep. Nunes has shared his concerns about the Settlement Agreement with Settling Parties, as well as Valley Legislators.

"I think we can get this done. We just need to take a look at the larger issues and we need to be honest and transparent about what we are doing," said Nunes.

http://www.house.gov/nunes/press/2006/nov/113006SJRBill.htm

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