Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Caucus Members participated in a Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries field hearing on the need to protect water supplies, address water shortages for farmers and ranchers in the region and throughout the country, and the importance of reforming the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Vice Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02), and Reps. Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Chairman of the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee,  and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) participated.

“Today, I was proud to join my colleagues in Oregon where we heard firsthand testimony on the challenges facing the West from a lack of clear and abundant water sources and the necessity to ensure rural communities can rely on these sources every day,” said Chairman Newhouse. “As a third-generation farmer, I understand all too well the need for an available water supply. Without it, crops die, communities are devastated, and our nation’s food security is jeopardized. As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I remain committed to fighting for rural and Western communities that feel the pain from inconsistent water supplies.”

"Water is essential. Drought and federal regulations are combining to create winners and losers in the allocation of water. Nowhere is this more evident than in Central Oregon. Water once used in productive and important crops is being taken and placed into streams for frogs and fish, with no regard for the damage done to those from whom the water is being take," said Chairman Bentz. "I was extremely pleased, as the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, to bring the committee to Central Oregon for a hearing on these important issues. I want to thank Congresswoman Lori-Chavez-DeRemer for hosting this hearing in her congressional district. This gave us the chance to hear how the locally driven, cooperative efforts happening there were working.  The two clear messages from the witness’s testimony were that we need to better protect our watersheds from fire and our farmers and ranchers from being ruined by the implementation of the endangered species act.   The witnesses’ testimony was helpful and we will return to Washington better prepared to draft legislation addressing these issues."

“Water is a precious resource in Utah and the West. Farmers, ranchers, and many other traditional users are up against federal regulations limiting their access to water, and they feel incredibly alone in that fight,” said Vice Chair Maloy. “Water belongs to the states not the federal government, and they should have primary control. That’s why it’s so important that my colleagues are in Oregon today listening and responding to the people who are they are impacted by federal regulations of water and resources.”

“Whether it’s for farming, drinking, wildlife habitat, or fighting wildfires, protecting Central Oregon’s water supply is of vital importance to our environment and quality of life," said Rep. Chavez-DeRemer. "Today’s hearing demonstrated the value of collaboration to secure reliable access to our most critical resource for generations to come. I’m grateful for Chairman Bentz’s leadership on these issues, and I would like to extend a special thank you to all of my colleagues who came to the 5th District to discuss the importance of protecting our water supply."

Click here to watch the field hearing.