Cardoza demands accounting of everything affecting Delta smelt and salmon

WASHINGTON, D.C.
November 3, 2009 1:12pm

Legislation has been introduced by U.S. Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, that calls for a review of the federal biological opinions that have impacted the amount of water flowing to San Joaquin Valley farmers.

Reps. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, joined as original cosponsors.

The legislation would require a review of all factors affecting the survival of endangered species in the Delta, rather than simply focusing on cutting back water deliveries to the Valley.

“I have consistently maintained that the pumps are not the problem. It is both unfair and illogical to blame our farmers for all of the environmental problems facing the Delta ecosystem,” says Mr. Cardoza. “The simple fact is that there are likely multiple factors contributing to these species’ decline, including pollution and invasive species of predatory fish. It is in the best interest of all of California that we determine what these causes are and establish a comprehensive approach to addressing these issues.”

Under the legislation, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation would be required to conduct an analysis of the Delta that would identify and analyze wastewater discharges, toxic urban runoff, industrial discharge, major power plant water diversions and discharges, private water diversions and discharges, and invasive species.

The legislation further requires that each of the identified factors be quantified and ranked in order of its impact on the survival of the protected Delta fish.

“The decision to focus solely on the export of water to the San Joaquin Valley was a wrong and shortsighted decision, and it has devastated the livelihoods of thousands of my constituents,” says Mr. Costa. “This legislation will ensure all environmental factors are taken into account when dealing with species recovery, and not simply put the blame on my farmers, farm workers and the farm communities in our Valley.”