Environment

"Today I flew back to California to make it clear to state and federal lawmakers where I stand: the 9,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) conveyance facility being proposed could wreak havoc on the Delta and the jobs it sustains and put existing water rights in the Delta and Northern California at risk," said Congressman John Garamendi. "It is possible for California to solve its water problems, but the Delta and Northern California counties must be at the table, and it will take a comprehensive, multifaceted approach, not just a piece of plumbing in the Delta. We must address the needs of all Californians by prioritizing storage, conservation, recycling, levee improvements, and habitat restoration. A BDCP without these elements is incomplete at best."

"The BDCP process is heading toward the creation of a massive water diversion facility that could destroy the entire Delta," said Congressman John Garamendi (CA-10). "The only protection against this catastrophe is existing water rights and environmental laws at the federal and state levels, which the House of Representatives has already voted to completely overturn with the disastrous HR 1837. Instead of moving headlong on this dangerous course, we must develop an overarching water vision for California that includes critical improvements for the Delta's levee infrastructure, coupled with increased water recycling, conservation, and storage."

"The BDCP process is heading toward the creation of a massive water diversion facility that could destroy the entire Delta," said Congressman John Garamendi (CA-10). "The only protection against this catastrophe is existing water rights and environmental laws at the federal and state levels, which the House of Representatives has already voted to completely overturn with the disastrous HR 1837. Instead of moving headlong on this dangerous course, we must develop an overarching water vision for California that includes critical improvements for the Delta's levee infrastructure, coupled with increased water recycling, conservation, and storage."

Garamendi led a California Delegation letter to the House Agriculture Committee outlining a number of priorities for California.

"The wind energy industry in this country is about to come to a screeching halt," said Congressman Garamendi. "Instead of wasting billions padding the pockets of Big Oil, we should invest in the clean energy industries of the future, so once again we can Make It In America."

"As a rancher and a pear farmer, I know the unique challenges that California's agriculture community faces," said Garamendi. "The Farm Bill offers the opportunity for California's farm businesses to overcome these hurdles through advanced research, pest management, and marketing assistance programs. The bill can also connect disadvantaged families, especially children, with the food they need to lead healthy, productive lives. I join my colleagues in urging the Committee to pass a fiscally responsible Farm Bill that helps America’s families and farmers to Make It In America and grow it in America."

"These projects bring us one step closer to saving the Delta while meeting the needs of all California cities, farmers, and fishermen."

I would like to address three policies that would create economic opportunity in my district as well as nationwide: extending the Federal Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit; extending conservation easement incentives; and extending 100 percent bonus depreciation for capital investments that are made in America.