REP. CALVERT'S CALFED LEGISLATION PASSES COMMITTEE
April 9, 2009
Press Release
Today Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-44th) was pleased to have his bill, H.R. 2828, the Water Supply, Reliability and Environmental Improvement Act, overwhelmingly approved by the Committee on Resources. This legislation, also known as CalFed, would allow California, and the Western States, to meet their goal of enhanced water quality and supply through more efficient delivery and additional storage.
"Today's victory of my bill brings us within reach of CalFed reauthorization. It means viable and livable solutions to California's, and the Western States', water needs for our children and grandchildren," said Rep. Calvert. "Furthermore, Senator Dianne Feinstein's work in the Senate was critical to bringing the bill to this point, and I look forward to working with the Leadership of the House of Representatives to bring H.R. 2828 to the full House floor for a vote as soon as possible."
Rep. Calvert offered an amendment to his original legislation today which resolved most of the outstanding issues of concern among various water stakeholders and contributed to its overwhelming passage. The changes included a dramatic cost reduction to a total of $389 million, mirroring the costs in Senator Dianne Feinstein's bill S.1097; dictates that new storage will be limited to CalFed projects only; and other policy provisions. Those other provisions, in brief, are:
Bay-Delta Water Quality Protections: Disallows increased pumping unless water quality standards are met; and requires the reduction of salinity in the Delta through increased flow and recirculation.
Water Storage: Gives great flexibility in delivering water supplies throughout the state of California by permitting CalFed storage projects to move forward following appropriate feasibility studies, no disapproval from Congress within 120 days, and appropriation of funds. This ensures that adequate storage is part of a balanced CalFed blueprint. Projects would still be required to meet regulatory processes, including those from ESA, NEPA, CEQA and the Clean Water Act.
Ecosystem Restoration: Requires that federal agencies submit a management plan – cost analysis, possible alternatives, disclosure of impact and required mitigation – for CalFed related ecosystem projects under the "right to know" provisions as to how taxpayer dollars are being spent on ecosystem restoration. This provision does not give Congress any authority to veto management plans, but is simply a "good government" safeguard.
The Water Supply, Reliability and Environmental Improvement Act recognizes the importance of improving management and coordination of existing water supply projects for meeting present and future water demands. The bill also recognizes the importance of preserving and enhancing ecosystems while both developing new sources of water for growing consumptive needs and moving existing supplies to meet changing demands.
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"Today's victory of my bill brings us within reach of CalFed reauthorization. It means viable and livable solutions to California's, and the Western States', water needs for our children and grandchildren," said Rep. Calvert. "Furthermore, Senator Dianne Feinstein's work in the Senate was critical to bringing the bill to this point, and I look forward to working with the Leadership of the House of Representatives to bring H.R. 2828 to the full House floor for a vote as soon as possible."
Rep. Calvert offered an amendment to his original legislation today which resolved most of the outstanding issues of concern among various water stakeholders and contributed to its overwhelming passage. The changes included a dramatic cost reduction to a total of $389 million, mirroring the costs in Senator Dianne Feinstein's bill S.1097; dictates that new storage will be limited to CalFed projects only; and other policy provisions. Those other provisions, in brief, are:
Bay-Delta Water Quality Protections: Disallows increased pumping unless water quality standards are met; and requires the reduction of salinity in the Delta through increased flow and recirculation.
Water Storage: Gives great flexibility in delivering water supplies throughout the state of California by permitting CalFed storage projects to move forward following appropriate feasibility studies, no disapproval from Congress within 120 days, and appropriation of funds. This ensures that adequate storage is part of a balanced CalFed blueprint. Projects would still be required to meet regulatory processes, including those from ESA, NEPA, CEQA and the Clean Water Act.
Ecosystem Restoration: Requires that federal agencies submit a management plan – cost analysis, possible alternatives, disclosure of impact and required mitigation – for CalFed related ecosystem projects under the "right to know" provisions as to how taxpayer dollars are being spent on ecosystem restoration. This provision does not give Congress any authority to veto management plans, but is simply a "good government" safeguard.
The Water Supply, Reliability and Environmental Improvement Act recognizes the importance of improving management and coordination of existing water supply projects for meeting present and future water demands. The bill also recognizes the importance of preserving and enhancing ecosystems while both developing new sources of water for growing consumptive needs and moving existing supplies to meet changing demands.
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