news

Today, Congressman Devin Nunes announced his opposition to a new rule published by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that orders a major reallocation of California’s dwindling water supply.

The Rule, released earlier today in Washington DC, is premised on the belief that the operation of both the federal and state water projects are contributing to the possible extinction of salmon, sturgeon, southern resident killer whale, and steelhead.

“Despite the serious crisis facing our state, today the Obama Administration announced a new biological opinion that will end water deliveries in California – laying waste to billions of dollars worth of infrastructure and starving the state of water,” said Rep. Nunes.

“The Obama Administration and the Democratic leadership of this Congress have totally disregarded the suffering of our country’s largest farming community. It has been tragic to witness,” said Nunes.

Congressman Nunes has repeatedly called for intervention by Congress and the White House to alleviate the suffering in the San Joaquin Valley (click here for more information). However, state and federal leaders have stood-by silent as entire communities have been devastated.

In a briefing for Congressional offices held today, NMFS officials announced that water exports from the Delta would be reduced 330,000 acre feet as a result of the new biological opinion. This is above and beyond water reductions that have been mandated due to the Delta Smelt, as well as reductions on the East-side of the valley associated with the San Joaquin River Settlement Agreement.

“President Obama and this Congress are allowing the diverse and agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley to become a third world enclave in America. It is truly a disgrace,” said Rep. Nunes.