WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao participated in the House Committee on Natural Resources Republican Members Western Drought Forum. The forum brought together members of Congress and stakeholders across the Western United States, including the Central Valley, to raise awareness on the drought’s impact on our domestic food supply. 

In his remarks, Rep. Valadao stressed the devastating impact of the Bureau of Reclamation’s zero percent water supply allocation for South-of-Delta agricultural water service contractors:

“I cannot emphasize enough that we cannot continue on this dangerous trajectory. Our ability to provide food for our nation is being critically compromised.”

He also highlighted the importance of keeping the 2019 Biological Opinions in place, which the administration is actively working to overturn. Rep. Valadao has led multiple letters to the Bureau of Reclamation requesting answers on how this reinitiated consultation will impact Central Valley Project Operations. 

“It is insulting to say the least, and I think it is indicative of how this administration prioritizes the concerns of the rural American West, which all of us here today are concerned about.”

Kings County Supervisor Doug Verboon spoke at the forum and highlighted the drought’s severe impact on the local economy and agricultural production.

You can watch the full forum here.

Background:

This is the second drought forum hosted by Republican members of the House Natural Resources Committee. Last year, Congressman Valadao sent a letter to the Chairman of the Committee and the Chairman of the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee requesting the democratic majority hold a hearing on the Western drought and water-related issues, which they have yet to do.

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