In a news release from Congressman David Valadao, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation re-initiated consultation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service 2019 biological opinions for long-term operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project.
Congressman David G. Valadao, House Republican Leader McCarthy, and Representatives Calvert, Garcia, Issa, Kim, LaMalfa, McClintock, Nunes, Obernolte, and Steel issued the following statement opposing the Biden Administration’s action:
“We strongly oppose the Biden administration’s reckless, anti-scientific, and politically-motivated attempt to rewrite the 2019 biological opinions.
“The 2019 opinions reflect years of work by career staff experts at the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Commerce to incorporate the best available science and latest data to ensure a reliable water supply for California’s families, farms, and communities while protecting listed species and their environment in our state.
Just as important, multiple rigorous peer reviews confirmed the scientific findings on which the 2019 opinions are based.
“Yet, the opinions are adamantly opposed by most California Democrats, the Newsom administration, and radical environmental groups.
“We call on the Biden administration to defend the 2019 opinions in court against radical lawsuits while continuing to work with water contractors and state officials to address the State’s concerns through implementation, not reconsultation.
