Press Release

Assemblymember Jean Fuller, a member of the Assembly Republican Working Group on Water, joined her colleagues today to demand that lawmakers consider legislation that provides a comprehensive water infrastructure plan during the upcoming special session on water.

'If we fail to address our state’s future water needs now, California may be faced with mandatory water rationing and higher water bills. Without improved water storage capacity and conveyance in or around the Delta our vital agriculture industry could be devastated, forced to reduce production which will result in a loss of jobs,' stated Fuller. According to Assemblymember Fuller, 'A recent ruling by a federal judge limiting how much water can be pumped from the Delta will lead to a serious reduction in the supply of water for 20 million families, including those of us living in Kern County. This has increased the need for urgency in addressing a more reliable water supply in our state.'

'Passage of a comprehensive water plan that provides for a reliable water supply both now and in the future, while protecting our state’s natural resources, is necessary to ensure the economic vitality of Kern County and our entire state,' said Fuller.

One part of the Republican plan is Assembly Bill 4xx (Villines) which dedicates millions from bonds already passed by voters to flood control, water quality and water storage. Senate Bill 3xx (Cogdill and Ackerman) is another component of the plan. This bill is a water infrastructure bond that would fund 3 reservoir storage projects, improve water reliability, restore the Delta and improve water quality.

Assemblymember Fuller represents the 32nd Assembly District, which includes Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Taft, Kern River Valley and the Frazier Mountain communities.