Wolk appointed chair of Assembly Special Committee on Water

Committee to hold first informational hearing tomorrow on state's water issues

SACRAMENTO–Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) yesterday appointed Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to head The Assembly Special Committee on Water, formed to review key issues surrounding California’s looming water crisis during the special legislative session on water. The committee will hold its first informational hearing tomorrow afternoon to hear testimony on the health of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and the challenges to providing Californians with a safe, clean and reliable water supply.  
 
“I am honored that the Speaker has chosen me to head this critical committee,” said Assemblywoman Wolk. “This is a complicated issue. But a few things are crystal clear. We must act promptly and decisively to address the immediate crisis in the Delta. There are actions we can take today, as well as begin moving on longer term measures. The Delta can’t wait for a future bond that voters may reject.

“We cannot overlook the needs of the Delta.  The Delta Vision Task Force will soon issue their recommendations to address the needs of this resource, which will include a plan to move water through the Delta and continue to provide Southern California with high quality drinking water. We must consider the task force’s recommendations before deciding on a responsible, cost-effective approach to meeting California’s long-term water needs.”

Among those testifying at the informational hearing will be Phil Isenberg, the chair of the Governor’s Delta Vision Commission, and Jay Lund, a Professor with the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of California at Davis, who will provide an overview of the "plumbing and infrastructure" of California's water system.  
 
“In a very short period of time members of the working group have developed a legislative package and guiding principles to begin addressing the water issues to be considered in special session,” Speaker Núñez said. “The new Special Committee on Water, chaired by Assemblymember Wolk and including all the members of the working group along with newly-appointed Republican members, will continue that leadership.”