Yuba-Sutter Times

Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from Richvale, introduced a resolution under the Congressional Review Act aimed at repealing the Biden Administration's decision to list the longfin smelt as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The resolution is supported by several of his colleagues from California.

If passed into law, this measure would prevent the designation of critical habitat for the longfin smelt and ensure that California's water resources remain accessible to families and farmers. Congressman LaMalfa expressed concerns about current environmental policies: "This listing is just another example of out-of-touch environmental policies making it harder to store and deliver water in California."

LaMalfa criticized existing regulations for complicating water management across the state and highlighted additional challenges posed by mandatory water rationing enforced by California regulators. He stated that this new listing could lead to up to 200,000 acre-feet of water being diverted annually to the ocean rather than being stored or made available for Californians. "This resolution repeals this unnecessary listing and ensures we can focus on solutions that support our farmers, strengthen our economy, and secure a reliable water supply for our future," he added.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's designation was prompted by litigation from an environmental group during President Biden's tenure. This action imposes new restrictions on both the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP), potentially diverting more water away from farms and families toward the Pacific Ocean.

Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has a limited timeframe to review such regulations with an opportunity to block them without needing a 60-vote majority in the Senate.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa serves as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and represents California’s First Congressional District, which includes Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, and Yuba Counties.