Garamendi Opposes Bill that Overrides California Water Law
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a Member of the House Natural Resources Committee and former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, today led opposition to H.R. 1837, a bill that would override California state water law and divert water away from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. A video of the Congressman’s comments on the floor is included above and linked here.
Congressman Garamendi offered an amendment on the House floor (a "Motion-to-Recommit") that would have prohibited H.R. 1837 from preempting or superseding state law. The amendment was voted down 239-178 with not a single Republican voting for states to control their water law. H.R. 1837 passed by a final vote of 236-174. The Senate is not expected to take up this legislation.
The Congressman issued the following statement on H.R. 1837:
"This legislation turns upside down 150 years of California water law and court decisions, creating an unprecedented theft of 800,000 acre feet of the Delta water by South-of-the-Delta water contractors.
"All of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its watersheds are contained in the state of California. The federal government has shown deference, respecting California water rights and the constitution. This legislation usurps California’s power to determine its own water and economic destiny."
Additional Resources:
- Sacramento Bee Editorial: House water bill needs a burial at sea. (Note: Provides an overview of the legislation)
- Sacramento Bee Op-Ed: Water bill in Congress promotes division, destroys state consensus.
- A list of groups opposed to H.R. 1837, including the Western States Water Council, which is composed of representatives appointed by 18 Western Governors.