H.R. 1837, nicknamed the "State Water Rights Repeal Act"
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:
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.