[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 8 (Friday, January 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E75-E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF STEPHEN K. HALL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 22, 2010

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a 
truly exceptional man whose life, passions and labors exemplify the 
meaning of true servant leadership. On January 19, 2010, Stephen K. 
Hall, a well respected water leader who played a central role in some 
of the biggest achievements in recent California water policy history, 
passed away after bravely battling Lou Gehrig's disease. He was only 
58.
  For years, I had the good fortune of working closely with Steve in 
Sacramento, California, and more recently in Washington, DC, seeking to 
address and solve the complicated water problems besetting the people 
of California. During his 30-year career in water, Steve worked 
diligently to bring diverse interests together and advance rational 
policies to address the State's water supply challenges. I can say 
without reservation that Steve was listened to and respected by all 
policy makers and stakeholders that he interacted with.
  Steve Hall served as executive director of the Association of 
California Water Agencies, ACWA, from 1993 until his retirement in 2007 
due to Gehrig's disease. Steve brought a unique brand of leadership to 
water discussions when it was needed most. He forged relationships that 
transcended political and ideological circles. Known as a consensus 
builder, Steve's ability to bring people together was a determining 
factor in some of the key water successes of our time. Tim Quinn, 
current head of ACWA recently credited Steve's contributions with 
helping set the stage for the historic water legislation enacted last 
fall.
  Steve Hall fought for solutions that work for farms, cities and the 
environment. He is credited with breaking a long-running gridlock and 
helping forge agreements that laid the groundwork for the landmark Bay-
Delta Accord signed in 2004. He played a primary role in the so-called 
``three-way'' negotiations that led

[[Page E76]]

to creation of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program and paved the way for 
passage of Proposition 204 of 1996 and Proposition 13 of 2002, which 
provided funding for water management projects and programs statewide.
  Steve Hall was always a strong advocate for science-based regulations 
that protect public health in a cost-effective manner. Steve was a 
leading advocate for strategies to address invasive species, reform the 
federal Endangered Species Act, and resolve water supply and ecosystem 
problems in the Delta. More recently, Steve led a year-long effort to 
develop ACWA's recent water policy document, ``No Time to Waste: A 
Blueprint for California Water.'' Among his numerous pursuits, Steve 
served on the boards of directors of the California Water Institute and 
the California Infrastructure Coalition. He also served on the State 
Reclamation Board, the UC Davis Land, Air and Water Advisory Committee 
and the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee.
  After retirement, Steve's motto became, ``As much as I can for as 
long as I can.'' Beyond his dedication to water issues, Steve cared 
deeply about his family, friends, his Lord and the people of 
California. Steve leaves behind his wife Pamela, two grown children, 
Jennifer and Adam, three grandchildren, his parents and a brother and 
sister. For all of us who knew him, he was an exceptional role model 
for how we should live; a life lived to its fullest. Steve will truly 
be missed by all. Here's to a truly great servant of the people.

                          ____________________