Rep. Grace F. Napolitano was elected unanimously yesterday to serve as Ranking Member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
“We look to continue working on a bipartisan basis to fix our nation’s crumbling water infrastructure and secure a reliable water system for the 21st Century, ” Napolitano said. “ Which is why it is critical we consider all options when addressing serious threats to the water supply of California and states across the country, such as climate change, increased demand, pollution, and ongoing drought cycles. We must also renew federal commitments to improve our infrastructure-protecting our rivers, lakes, and streams-while providing flood control solutions for our communities.”
With jurisdiction over the EPA Clean Water Act programs, Napolitano will use her new position to encourage EPA and sanitation agencies to find ways to recycle water for irrigation use and groundwater replenishment; and monitor the implementation of a new Clean Water Act Stormwater Permit, ensuring affordability for L.A. County cities and residents.
Ranking Member Napolitano also has oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and will continue her work with the Corps, local flood control districts, and water agencies to capture more water in flood control reservoirs, which is a major issue at Santa Fe Dam in her district and the bordering Whittier Narrows Dam; support both the Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan and improvements to the San Gabriel River with environmental restoration projects and recreational opportunities, such as bikeways, fishing, and swimming areas; and improve legislation to require the Corps to provide more equity to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in dredging operations.
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