SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) was appointed by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass today to chair the Assembly’s Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee for the 2009-2010 legislative session.  The Committee’s primary jurisdictions include water resources, flood management, fish and game, parks and recreation, and wildlife. 

“I am honored to receive this very important assignment from Speaker Bass.  With California’s unprecedented water and environmental challenges, this committee’s work in the coming year will be vital.  I look forward to working with Assembly leadership, fellow legislators and stakeholders as we address critical issues such as water supply reliability, protecting and restoring our fisheries, water quality, flood safety and preparedness, and park access for all residents,” said Assemblymember Huffman.

Huffman, who currently serves on the committee, brings unique water policy qualifications and experience to the job.  Prior to joining the Assembly in December 2006, he spent 12 years governing an urban water agency, the Marin Municipal Water District, serving three terms as board president.  He also worked as a Senior Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) where he helped forge one of the nation’s largest river restoration projects which will bring water and native salmon runs back to a 153-mile stretch of the San Joaquin River in California’s Central Valley. 

“Jared Huffman is an excellent choice to lead the Assembly’s work on water at this critical juncture,” said Tim Quinn, Executive Director of the Association of California Water Agencies.  “He understands the complexities of California water policy, and in his first term he has already demonstrated an inclusive, results-oriented style that is well suited to the serious water challenges we face.”  

In a press release sent out earlier today, Speaker Bass made the following comment regarding the announcement of three Assembly chairmanships beginning December 1st, “The expertise these Assemblymembers will bring to these committees will be essential to a productive 2009-2010 legislative session.”