Tuesday, Jun 28 2011 3:59PM
Congressman Tom McClintock of California halted a bill which would have taken water from residents in his district.
Congressman Tom McClintock of California spoke out against the San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act proposed by Congressman Devin Nunes, stating it would take away water which rightfully belongs to Northern California residents.
According to the Auburn Journal, McClintock, who represents the 4th district of California, said that while water supply for Northern California is high this year, he wants to ensure enough reserve water remains available to residents living in the region.
McClintock said he understood why Nunes, who represents the 21st district, wants the water, as farms in the region are worried about drought this year, the paper states.
However, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), which brought the bill to McClintock's attention, told the source the water should be used only for Northern California residents.
"We expressed our concerns to Congressman McClintock and got a very good response," PCWA director of strategic planning Einar Maisch told the paper. "What we've seen is an attempt by [Southern California] export interests to steal our water and I appreciate the congressman's defense of our water rights."
Congressman Wally Herger also opposes the legislation. In a statement, Herger said he believes rural farmers in Southern California should look for other water sources.