California’s perennial water shortages have cost the state billions of dollars. Farmers are suffering and migrant workers cannot find jobs. The past few years have been devastating to the state because the snow levels in the Sierra Nevada Mountains have been falling. Normally, as the snow melts, the water is pumped out of the Sacramento delta and into the Central Valley, where farms rely on the water. With lower water levels in Sacramento, judges have halted pumping to protect the delta smelt, an endangered species. California has the largest agricultural output of any state, and the industry employs countless workers. In the present economy, should we ignore their plight?
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner (R) announced his plans to help the state yesterday. Poizner realizes the need for more efficient use of water, but he also wants to make sure farmers have access to the water they need for their crops.
Poizner called on Speaker Nancy Pelosi to help. One would think that Pelosi would do what she can to offer relief to farmers in her home state, but she has become so focused on her own liberal agenda, that she has decided the farmers can suffer.
Poizner sent a letter to Pelosi that explained she supported similar efforts in the past to aid another state:
In 2004, following a drought in New Mexico, you voted for legislation that included provisions effectively exempting water projects in that state from the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. Members of the California delegation have introduced similar legislation for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, but you have refused to even put the issue to a vote.
It’s time for Pelosi to help California farmers. She has abused her power as Speaker to not even allow a vote on the issue. Her misguided agenda has destroyed the jobs of hardworking Americans in a state that is already reeling. Poizner has launched a petition to ask Speaker Pelosi to take action. This is a commonsense call to action for Pelosi. She should support California’s farmers.