July 16, 2015

PRESS RELEASE: Western Growers Commends House on Passage of Western Water Bill

IRVINE, Calif. (July 16, 2015) — Statement by Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif commending passage of the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015 by the U.S. House of Representatives today:

“We want to thank Rep. David Valadao for his leadership in introducing and helping secure passage of the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015 in the House of Representatives. We also want to express our appreciation to Rep. Jim Costa and the other 13 California co-sponsors of the legislation, and to all the members who voted today to bring modest relief to millions of Americans suffering from the combination of drought and unbalanced regulatory policies governing water.  
 
The focus now shifts to the Senate. We are encouraged by recent statements from Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski indicating that she will continue working with her colleagues in Congress ‘to advance legislation that ensures that federal actions mitigate the impacts of drought,’ as well as Senator Dianne Feinstein’s commitment today to working with members across the aisle to reach ‘an agreement that can advance through both chambers.’
 
With every day that passes, our ability to stem the social, economic, and environmental harm caused by the drought and unbalanced policies diminishes. It is time for western senators to engage on behalf of their states and to build support among all of their colleagues in the Senate. This must be done with a sense of urgency as too much time has been lost.”