Congressman Kevin McCarthy joined Congressman David Valadao (CA-21) and the entire California House GOP delegation to introduce the UAE Act for California, a bill that would would require the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and California State Water Project (SWP) to be operated in accordance with the most recent science-based regulations finalized in 2019, as well as reauthorize a critical surface water storage program from the 2016 law on Improving Water Infrastructure for the Nation (WIIN).
Congressman McCarthy issued the following statement:
“The state of California is as notorious for drought as it is for water wars, and over the years Democrats and environmental extremists have made matters worse by politicizing this vital resource. But the fact remains: in a In a state like California, access to reliable and affordable water is more urgent than ever.
“In 2016, Congressman Valadao, my fellow California Republicans, Senator Feinstein, and I spearheaded the first major reforms to California’s water policies in more than 20 years. Those reforms have since lapsed, c That’s why I’m pleased to join Congressman Valadao in introducing the UAE Act for California.
“This new bill builds on the success of the WIIN Act and the previous administration’s accomplishments related to California water by focusing on three main elements. First, it helps ensure that when Mother Nature blesses our state with rain and snow, Central Valley communities get the water we contract and pay for. Then, it will help improve California’s resilience to drought by prioritizing and funding critical water storage projects so we can capture more water in wet years for use in dry years. And finally, it brings much-needed responsibility for carrying out fish and habitat restoration projects required by law.
“I look forward to working with Congressman Valadao, my House and Senate colleagues, California public water agencies, and local stakeholders to advance WATER law for California. ”
The announcement was well received by local water officials.
“We appreciate the tireless efforts of Congressman McCarthy and his colleagues to work with many interested parties to design approaches that are feasible and provide the best possible opportunity to achieve a stable and adequate water supply for Kern County and entire state of California,” said Tom McCarthy, executive director of the Kern County Water Agency.
