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"Restore the Delta" is asking you to call your legislator on behalf of protecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

By Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Restore the Delta
February 10, 2009 -- Restore the Delta As reported in The Stockton Record on February 10, 2009, Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) has introduced a bill to bypass the endangered species law so exports of Delta water to corporate agri-business in the Central Valley can be increased during this period of drought.

Alex Breitler of The Stockton Record reports that Radanovich said that "pumping restrictions to protect Delta smelt and other species at the expense of farmers amounts to 'economic eco-terrorism'".

Of course Congressman Radanovich has forgotten the economic eco-terrorism that has been inflicted on commercial fisheries, the Delta sportsfishing economy, and Delta agriculture as a result of years of excessive water exports to support Central Valley agri- business.

Even more disturbing is that Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced), one of the bill's co-sponsors, has forgotten that he represents people who live in the secondary zone of the Delta and that the people he represents in central Stockton are alarmed over the condition of Delta fisheries and what water exports (Continued)... have done to our local Delta economy.

So, here's how you can help. First, call the eight sponsors of H.R. 856 to express your outrage at their disregard for the economic eco-interests of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Tell them that the business as usual regarding California water policy must end. Direct them to the Restore the Delta website and tell them that Regional Water Self- Sufficiency, rather than moving water from Northern California to Southern California, is the best way to meet California's water needs. Tell them that they need to focus on breaking dependence on the Delta to meet the state's water needs. It is the cost effective way, in these difficult economic times, to address our water problems.

In addition, contact the following members of the House Natural Resources Committee to express your opposition to H.R. 856. Let them know that increased Delta exports in a time of drought will deal the final deathblow to Delta fisheries. Let them know that the Delta's $2.5 billion economy is dependent on water flowing into the Delta for fisheries and Delta agriculture. Let them know that Delta farms are mainly family farmers also deserving of economic protection.

Congressional Sponsors of H.R. 856

Representative George Radonovich (R-CA-District 19) - 202-225-4540 Representative Ken Calvert (R- CA-District 44) - 202-225-1986; Representative Jim Costa (D-CA-20) - 202-225-3341
Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-22) -- 202-225-2915
Representative Devin Nunes (R-CA-21) -- 202-225- 2523
Representative Dennis Cardoza (D-CA-18) - 202-225-6131
Representative David Dreier (R-CA- 26) - 202-225-2305
Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5)-202-225-2006 Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA-46) - 202-225-2415

Key Members of the House Natural Resource Committee

Representative Rick J. Rahall, II, Chair, (D-WV-3)- 202-225-3452 Representative Grace F. Napolitano (D- CA-38) 202-225-5256
Representative Lois Capps (D- CA-23) - 202-225-3601
Representative Joe Baca (D- CA-43) - 202-225-6161
Representative Elton Gallegly (R-CA-24) - 202-225-5811
Representative Tom McClintock (R-CA-4) - 202-225-2511