[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         H.R. 2898--WESTERN WATER AND FOOD SECURITY ACT OF 2015

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                           HON. DOUG LaMALFA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2015

  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, today, the California Republican Delegation 
again took action to address our state's water supply crisis, 
introducing balanced legislation improving water access for 
Californians around the state by using improved science to time water 
deliveries, preserve water rights and move forward on new surface 
storage facilities.
  The bill protects the most fundamental water rights of all, area of 
origin rights, ensuring that Northern Californians who live where our 
state's water supply originates have access to it.
  It uses modern science to improve the timing of water deliveries, 
allowing the storage of more water during winter storms which makes it 
available for dry periods like now.
  It addresses invasive species that are negatively impacting salmon 
populations, and allows local water districts to undertake their own 
habitat improvement projects.
  Finally, California's voters have spoken clearly in support of 
investment in new surface storage projects, and this measure fulfills 
that promise by advancing projects that would generate over one million 
acre-feet of water, enough for eight million Californians.
  We'll continue to refine this proposal as it moves through the 
process, but I am proud to cosponsor a bill that addresses both short- 
and long-term needs of all Californians and support continued economic 
growth.

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