WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) spoke on the House Floor ahead of the expected atmospheric rivers in California to stress the importance of capturing and storing as much of this rainwater as possible.  While drought conditions have improved in many parts of the state thanks to recent storms, the state is still largely in a drought  – meaning we cannot take this rain for granted.

“Eventually, the rain will stop. That is why it is critical to capture and store as much of this rain as possible, so we don’t find ourselves in yet another man-made water shortage,” said Congressman Valadao.

Remarks as prepared: 

This week, California is preparing for more atmospheric rivers that are bringing much needed rain to our state.  

This is welcome news to the Central Valley farmers who have suffered through the last three years of exceptional drought.

While I’m grateful for this rain, and know my fellow farmers are as well, we have all seen this situation before.

Eventually, the rain will stop.

That is why it is critical to capture and store as much of this rain as possible, so we don’t find ourselves in yet another man-made water shortage.

Extreme environmentalists and Sacramento bureaucrats have grossly mismanaged our water with complex and contradictory laws and regulations that control how much we’re able to pump, and what storage projects we’re able to move forward.

While I’m grateful to the governor for the temporary relief that he pushed for a few weeks back, we cannot let this water go to waste.