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Congressman Devin Nunes today issued the following statement concerning the ongoing California water crisis:

“We need help and we need it immediately. This is the third letter I have sent to the President asking for federal recognition of the crisis faced by San Joaquin Valley communities. President Obama needs to respond and I implore my colleagues to insist he does so,” said Rep. Nunes.

In his letter, which was also sent to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congressman Nunes detailed the necessary actions that would relieve suffering in the San Joaquin.

• Support legislation to temporarily waive the Endangered Species Act in times of a declared emergency;
• Support efforts to direct the construction of a Delta conveyance project known as the Peripheral Canal;
• Support legislation to authorize the construction of new water storage projects;
• Expedite water transfers that are currently pending;
• Partner with Governor Schwarzenegger to temporarily reduce water allocations for wildlife refuges which can be done under existing authority;
• Partner with Governor Schwarzenegger to authorize and fund the construction of an intertie between the Delta Mendota Canal and the State Water Project and authorize and fund the construction of South Delta Operable Gates;
• Delay implementation of the San Joaquin River Settlement until the economic impacts of the current crisis can be mitigated and a plan can be implemented to recover lost water.

View the letters here.