Legislation Aims to Modernize California Water Policies
H.R. 23: Gaining Responsibility on Water Act of 2017 Passed the House 230-190
July 13, 2017 - WASHINGTON – On Wednesday the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 23, legislation introduced by Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-
21) to modernize water policies in California and throughout the entire Western United States. Over last decade, California has endured its worst drought in history, and a growing number of communities across the Western United States have experienced a similar fate. While this natural drought has wreaked havoc across the region, its destruction has been exacerbated in California, by a complex, and often contradictory, system of laws, court decisions, and regulations at the state and federal level.
In an effort to restore water deliveries for struggling communities, Congressman David G. Valadao introduced H.R. 23, the Gaining Responsibility on Water Act, also known as the GROW Act. The legislation provides relief to Californians by restoring water deliveries that have been drastically reduced over the last two decades as a result of various environmental lawsuits and illogical state and federal regulations. Rep. Valadao’s legislation requires regulators to comply with the bipartisan Bay-Delta Accord, which is consistent with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. Furthermore, the bill will cut red tape holding back major water storage projects that have been authorized for over a decade, which will aid the entire Western United States during dry years.
Congressman Valadao stated, “For years, California’s sophisticated network of storage and delivery facilities have been sorely mismanaged, causing devastating impacts across the state. This problem has become even more apparent during the last several months. Despite record precipitation levels, families, farmers, and communities still lack access to a reliable supply of water.” He continued, “My bill, the GROW Act, will restore water deliveries, ensuring the Central Valley has access to a reliable water supply. I look forward to working with the Senate and sending this bill to the President’s desk.”
The full text of H.R. 23, the GROW Act can be found here and a summary of the legislation can be found here.
During the 114th Congress, Congressman Valadao introduced H.R. 2989, the Western Water and American Food Security Actas well as H.R. 2749, the Dams Accountability Maintenance and Safety Act, both aimed at improving water supply to the Central Valley.
Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District of California, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.
More Information: California Senators Feinstein, Harris Oppose House Water Bill by Central Valley Congressman
