Radanovich Introduces Bill to Temporarily Lift ESA Restrictions on Delta Pumps, Mitigate California Drought
Washington,
Sep 18, 2008 -
Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) today introduced the California Drought Alleviation Act (CDAA), to temporarily suspend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as it applies to the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta pumping facilities during Gubernatorial declared times of drought emergencies until such conditions are alleviated. The bill will also establish a Delta Smelt conservation hatchery.
“California is on the brink of the worst water shortage in the state’s history, due to out of touch environmental laws, which have resulted in judicial decisions that favor fish over man and our own refusal to properly address water storage and infrastructure needs,” Radanovich said. “This CDAA is a bipartisan solution that will give California the water it needs while we continue to work on vital water projects such as Temperance Flat and the Peripheral Canal.”
Last year, in the case of NRDC v. Kempthorne, Federal Judge Oliver Wanger ordered new operating criteria for the Delta pumps to protect the Delta Smelt. The result was one third diminished pumping out of the Delta from December, when the Smelt are ready to spawn, until June, when they move into the bay.
“The pumping restrictions on the Delta resulting from the Wanger decision to protect the Delta Smelt cost California over 600,000 acre feet of water last year—if these restrictions are left in place, California’s agriculture industry will be decimated and Southern Californian households will be forced to ration water,” Radanovich said.
The CDAA would direct the Bureau of Reclamation to operate the C.W. “Bill” Jones pumps at increased capacity during times of drought emergency, filling up the San Luis Reservoir this winter and giving the State much needed water reserves.
In addition, the bill recognizes the need to protect the diminishing population of the Delta Smelt by directing the Secretary of the Interior to work cooperatively with the California Department of Fish and Game in developing a Smelt conservation hatchery. The goal of the conservation hatchery is to sustain the Smelt population and determine the primary cause of its decline.
“California’s public officials cannot in good conscience put their heads in the sand while our state dries up—the political bickering over water must end and working together on a solution must begin,” Radanovich said. “Passing the California Drought Alleviation Act is an excellent start.”
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