Legislators Welcome New Hetch Hetchy Restoration Study And Renew Their Request For Further Analysis By The State

Study shows Hetch Hetchy Valley could be restored without harm to San Francisco water supply and other water users

Assemblymembers Joe Canciamilla (D-Pittsburg) and Lois Wolk (D-Davis), who both serve on the Assembly Water Parks and Wildlife Committee, Canciamilla as Chairman, issued the following joint statement:

"The study by Environmental Defense of possible solutions for restoring Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley is a serious effort conducted by highly respected consulting firms with expertise in water and energy engineering, water law, and environmental planning."

This study should serve as the beginning of a fresh new dialog on the possibilities of restoring this national treasure in the middle of California's most magnificent national park.

Many issues involving all stakeholders will require much further study and discussion. Further study of the economic benefits of restoration, as well as the costs are also necessary. That is why we again ask Governor Schwarzenegger and his administration to take a leadership role in moving the dialog forward.

"We also ask our colleagues in the Legislature, members of California's Congressional delegation, and all stakeholders to keep an open mind about this issue. Restoration of Hetch Hetchy Valley will require all parties to bring their best creative thinking to the table to bring about the win-win solutions that are not only necessary, but as today's new study indicates, possible. Let's put our best foot forward."