Today, Congressional Western Caucus Members celebrated passage of H.J. Res. 78. This Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution, introduced by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), repeals the Biden Administration’s listing of the longfin smelt as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Once enacted into law, this resolution will halt the proposed designation of critical habitat for this fish species, as well as ensure California’s water remains available for those who need it most, families and farmers.
“The Biden Administration and activist judges have used this listing as a political tool to block progress on California water policy,” said Chairman LaMalfa. “This listing is based on cherry picked scientific anecdotes and even Stanford’s Center for Water California Resources Policy and Management questioned the science of the listing. It adds yet another layer of conflicting regulations that dump tens of millions of acre feet of water out to the Pacific Ocean, with farmers receiving only 40% to 50% of their promised federal and state water. Congress isn’t going to stand by while bureaucrats and environmental lawsuits continue to wreck the water system that feeds our farms, our families, and our economy. I’m glad to see the House take a stand and push back with real solutions that help us grow food, provide water, and keep our economy strong.”
"In the wake of litigation from radical environmentalists, the Biden administration ignored scientific data and inaccurately listed the longfin smelt as endangered,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “This decision only created another layer of red tape, cutting off Californians from water resources that are essential to agriculture and daily life. Thanks to Congressman LaMalfa and the entire California Republican delegation's work, today the House voted to overturn this flawed rule and restore common sense to California while ensuring farmers and communities can access their vital resources."
“California is already facing a water crisis made worse each year by wildfires, drought, and mismanagement. This endangered species listing adds yet another roadblock to delivering water to the communities that need it most,” said Vice Chair Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “I was proud to see this resolution pass the House to stop an unnecessary mandate that would send vital water out to sea instead of to California’s future.”
“California House Republicans are once again taking steps to secure a reliable and affordable water supply for our constituents and farmers,” said Representative Ken Calvert (CA-41). “H.J. Res. 78 will reverse a Biden administration action that was pursued by radical environmentalists to abuse federal regulations in an attempt to limit water supplies for California families and our farms. By restoring commonsense water solutions we can ensure California has the water supplies it needs.”
“Working with Congressman Doug LaMalfa, we are advancing legislation that prioritizes commonsense water solutions for our state,” said Representative Vince Fong (CA-20). “Instead of wasting vital resources to protect a fish that never belonged on the endangered species list, this resolution will restore essential water allocations to support our region. This is a win for our communities to ensure we have reliable and stable water supplies for our homes, businesses, and farms.”
“The Biden Administration’s unnecessary decision to list the longfin smelt as an endangered species is yet another example of an environmental policy not grounded in science that puts fish over people,” said Representative David Valadao (CA-22). “Our families and farmers are already struggling with burdensome regulations that restrict water deliveries and threaten the future of agriculture in the Central Valley, and this rule would have ensured even more of our water is sent out to sea. By passing this resolution, the House is taking an important step forward in rolling back draconian water restrictions that directly affect our farmers, families, and rural communities, and I’m happy to see common sense won.”
This designation, driven by litigation from an environmental group, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during the Biden Administration threatens California’s water supply by imposing new restrictions on the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP). This listing resulted in subsequent burdensome requirements imposed on the CVP that will divert even more water to the Pacific Ocean instead of supplying farms and families across the state.
Read the resolution
here.
