Congressman Joe Baca
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Environmental Issues

Congressman Baca is a member of the House Resources Committee, which oversees environmental issues such as fisheries, national parks, wildlife, forestry, water, and oversight for Indian Affairs. He is also a member of the Water & Power Subcommittee and is a crucial voice for the future of California, given the state's unique water problems. Congressman Baca's top priorities on the committee are providing clean water, reforming the endangered species act and preventing wildfires.

Providing Clean Water
In September, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4606, the Southern California Groundwater Remediation Act of 2004, introduced by Congressman Baca. The bill authorizes $50 million to clean up perchlorate-contaminated groundwater in the Inland Empire. Perchlorate is a chemical used in rocket fuel that has contaminated the water supply of over 500,000 people in the Inland Empire. The bill has passed the House Resources Committee and is expected to move to the House floor for a vote.

Congressman Baca is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 2828, the Water Supply Reliability and Environmental Improvement Act of 2003, known as "CALFED." CALFED is a state and federal partnership to decrease water shortages and improve water reliability. It increases water conservation, recycling and desalination projects. Congressman Baca believes that it is the government's duty to provide clean water to all citizens.

Reforming the Endangered Species Act
Congressman Baca strongly supports reforming the Endangered Species Act. The ESA has only recovered 12 species in the 30 years it has existed. Meanwhile, communities have struggled to meet the requirements of the act at the cost of jobs and economic growth.

The Inland Empire is home to the Delhi Sands Flower Loving Fly and the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat that are both listed as endangered species. The habitat conservation plans and critical habitat designations of these endangered species has cost the Inland Empire community a lot of money, land and headaches.

On September 10, 2004, at the request of Congressman Baca, the House Resources Committee held a field hearing in Fontana, California, to examine the effects of the Endangered Species Act on the Inland Empire.

Congressman Baca is a co-sponsor of H.R. 2933, the Critical Habitat Reform Act of 2003, and H.R. 1662, the Sound Science for Endangered Species Act. Both of these bills aim to reform the ESA so that it can be applied consistently using common sense and sound science.

Forestry and Wildfire prevention
Congressman Baca has fought to protect our environment from the devastating effects of catastrophic wildfires. He supported the Healthy Forest Restoration Act that passed the House in a bipartisan effort, addressing forest health concerns by allowing fuel reduction projects on wildfire prone lands. Giving local forest managers increased flexibility and 21st century technology, the bill implements a balanced approach to preventing wildfires.

Related Links

ArrowSanta Ana Water Project Authority
ArrowSmokey Bear teaches fire prevention to kids
ArrowCALFED Bay Delta Authority home page

 

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