[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 182 (Monday, December 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO A CALIFORNIA WATER ICON: THOMAS J. GRAFF

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                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2009

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Thomas J. Graff, who passed away on November 12, 2009, after a 
courageous battle with cancer. Tom will be remembered as the dynamic 
force that helped shape the way that the State of California and the 
Federal Government manage water and protect the environmental resources 
of the State. Tom worked for and founded the California office of the 
Environmental Defense Fund in Oakland. His water achievements were 
based on an ability to work effectively with water users, legislators, 
conservationists, economists, and the public. He was known for his 
insightful thinking, writing and ability to translate complex water 
issues into understandable dialogue that legislators and the public 
could understand.
  The water and environmental communities have lost a valuable 
champion, a true leader and a good friend. In a world today where hard 
feelings and rhetoric seem to capture the headlines, Tom worked to find 
the common ground and opportunities for sound water management. Tom's 
shoes will never be filled, but we can set a path to continue to follow 
his philosophy of finding solutions for our complex water issues.
  ``Along with much of California, I have been informed and inspired by 
Tom Graff since the mid-1970s,'' said Tim Brick, chairman of the board 
of directors for Metropolitan Water District, Los Angeles, California. 
``Tom truly recognized the value of water and fought to ensure that the 
environment gets its rightful share. Long before others, he was a 
beacon in promoting conservation, water transfers and environmental 
protections as solutions for California's great water systems, the 
Colorado River, the Central Valley Project, and the State Water 
Project. The development of policies and programs to ensure a 
sustainable Bay-Delta will be his greatest legacy.''
  We owe a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Graff, and I wish to express 
my sincere sympathy to his family as well as the extended family who 
have endured the loss of their loved one. I ask that all Members join 
me to honor this icon for his life's work.

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