Rep. Napolitano Speaks at La Verne Water Technology Conference
(La Verne, CA) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano spoke at the University of La Verne’s Water Technology Conference on 2014 legislative priorities for water and energy. She outlined steps that Congress can take to address California’s water management issues and increase access to water technology.
“Water is life, and we all depend on it to survive,” Napolitano said. “In this difficult time of drought, it is critical that we conserve water. We must also continue to educate and inform the public and our elected officials about the need for water legislation and action to take place.”
Napolitano updated participants on the status of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) Conference, a group of House and Senate lawmakers tasked with writing the final version of H.R. 3080, to which she was appointed a conferee in November. Napolitano sponsored important provisions for Los Angeles County in WRRDA that will expand water supply, flood control, and recreation projects in the region. The final bill is still being negotiated, but Napolitano believes it will be signed into law in the coming months.
Napolitano also warned about actions that Congress should not take with regard to California’s water supply. California House Republicans introduced legislation this past week (H.R. 3964) that bypassed regular order and is expected to be voted on next week. This bill would preempt states water rights and add no new water in the region.
“We should be working together to pass bills that are good for all of California, not just a segment of California,” Napolitano said. “We need collaborative, regional planning to combat future drought cycles and address our water management issues. Thank you to the University of La Verne for organizing this conference and continuing the critical dialogue on the future of California water.”
Napolitano is the top Democrat on the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Water and Power Subcommittee and a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.
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