Conservation Groups Urge Congress to Pass San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act

Statement by Hal Candee, NRDC Senior Attorney

 

SAN FRANCISCO (September 13, 2007) – On the one-year anniversary of the historic agreement to settle the San Joaquin River lawsuit, 16 national conservation groups sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee and of the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee urging them to act on H.R. 24/S. 27, the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. The legislation would authorize and fund a landmark Settlement on the San Joaquin River that was approved by the federal court in Sacramento last fall. Following is a statement by Hal Candee, NRDC Senior Attorney.

 

“Despite bipartisan support in both the Senate and House of Representatives, Congress has so far failed to move forward on the legislation that is needed to fund and fully implement the San Joaquin River settlement. The federal and state governments need Congressional authorization if the goal of restoring California’s second-longest river and bringing back its salmon fishery is to become a reality. This historic settlement has broad support across California and will provide numerous benefits throughout the state. It is essential that Congress pass the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act as soon as possible.”