FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2015

CONTACT

Severn Williams, sev@publicgoodpr.com

510-336-9566, c: 415-336-9623

Statement from California Trout in support of drought legislation

Sacramento, Calif. – Watershed conservation and fish advocacy organization California Trout today announced its support of efforts by legislative leaders and Governor Brown to address California’s drought crisis by enacting emergency drought legislation. Among other actions, the proposed legislation would accelerate the allocation process for funds raised through Proposition 1E and Proposition 1.

In response to today’s announcement regarding the proposed legislation, Curtis Knight, executive director of California Trout, issued the following statement:

“In proposing this emergency drought legislation, Governor Brown, Assembly Speaker Atkins and Senate President pro Tempore de León have signaled that they understand the dire circumstances facing people and wildlife as this drought drags on.

“Climate models predict drought may be the new normal in our state. Many of California’s native trout, steelhead and salmon – all of which rely on cold, clean water for survival – are in danger of extinction within the next century. The right approach to water management has the potential to simultaneously meet the needs of people and fish, and we think much of what was proposed today could do just that. In particular, focusing investment on improvements in water management on the Yolo Bypass has the potential to dramatically increase flood protection for Central Valley residents while also supporting the recovery of imperiled native fish.

“Protecting water quality for fish means that water is also clean for human consumption. Past droughts have resulted in innovative water conservation measures. This drought provides that same urgency for the public and policymakers to become more aware of the inefficiencies of water use and look for creative ways to get the most benefit from limited water supplies.

“We are grateful for the vision of our leaders in Sacramento, and we hope that as this funding is allocated it focuses on the types of win-win solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. For example, investments in improving existing groundwater storage and maximizing the resilience of local water supplies through programs like water recycling and storm water capture all have the potential to improve outcomes for both people and native fish.”

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