At this meeting, Secretary Salazar again denied the existence of a man-made drought in California (click here to hear the Secretary). Flanked by George Miller, Dianne Feinstein and a host of liberal lawmakers, the Secretary dismissed the need for immediate relief in our region and reiterated tired arguments about the complex nature of California water policy. In other words – expect more lip service but no help from Washington.
During my brief remarks (click here), I told the Secretary in no uncertain terms that he and the Democrats in Congress were waging war against the people of the San Joaquin. They have rejected seven separate efforts in the House and one in the Senate – each of which would have provided temporary relief to our region.
Earlier this year, the Delta pumps were turned off and hundreds of acres of farmland became desert – all because of a three inch minnow. While those pumps are running today, they will soon be shut down again. Congress must pass a temporary measure to protect our water supply. Only after this can we move forward in search of larger solutions.
