Senate Democrats wade into California drought debate, offer legislation
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/11/6148660/senate-democrats-wade-into-california.html
California’s drought has now fully captivated Congress, with the introduction Tuesday of a Senate water bill that counters one passed by the House of Representatives last week.
The two bills differ significantly, and the legislative end game remains murky. But combined with an upcoming presidential visit to the parched San Joaquin Valley, the introduction of the latest California water measure by its two Democratic senators, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, propels the likelihood of Capitol Hill action....
The legislation goes beyond California’s borders, offering aid to farmers in Oregon’s Klamath Basin. This helped secure the immediate co-sponsorship of Oregon’s two senators, Democrats Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. Other senators are invited in by the bill’s potential for providing of emergency aid to farmers and communities throughout the West
In another telling political signal, the Senate bill secured the support of Westlands Water District, the nation’s largest water district. In a statement issued within minutes of the Senate bill’s introduction, Westlands said it was “encouraged” by the bill that it said would “provide much needed relief” for water agencies. Meanwhile, California’s Secretary for Natural Resources, John Laird, said the bill offers “common sense solutions” for the state.
