Friday, Feb 24 2012 5:18PM
The House Natural Resources Committee recently approved H.R. 1837 also known as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act that could help farmers in the rural communities secure more water along with plans for river restoration.
The House Natural Resources Committee recently approved H.R. 1837 also known as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act that could help farmers in the rural communities secure more water along with plans for river restoration.
News sources report that the bill has a mix of support as the Senate must approve it and despite both state senator's opposition, supporters still believe that it will pass into law. The controversy stems from the fact that the bill will end the already approved San Joaquin River restoration plan and replace it with a less intense call to action.
One senator in opposition was the author of the original $12 billion restoration plan with the addition of a canal to dodge the delta, while others who oppose the newer bill say it will knock current efforts of balanced water use off-track.
The biggest difference in the two bills is that the newest legislation addresses concerns from those living in the Sacramento Valley that fear they will lose water supply to farmers living south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta but the bill outlines details of delivery.
For further information, check out these sources:
Fresno Bee, Central Valley Business Times