Wolk named Chair of Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee

"I am honored and delighted to serve as Chair of the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee," said Wolk. "I believe that the Speaker appointed me based on my track record and ongoing commitment to the issues within the jurisdiction of the committee."

In her first term as an assemblywoman, Wolk carried legislation to protect the Sacramento San-Joaquin Delta, recognize local public/private watershed partnerships, plan for statewide control of invasive species, and assist the state in leveraging federal flood control funds. Prior to serving in the Assembly, as local elected official, Wolk helped strike the Putah Creek Accord, restored wetlands in the Yolo Basin, and initiated both the Water Resources Association and the Habitat Conservation Plan process.

As chair, Wolk has expressed interest in finding balanced solutions for controversial topics such as Delta protection, Central Valley flood control, state water planning and delivery, and sustaining our agricultural and environmental resources.

"The Delta is the ecological and economic heart of the state, providing 22 million people with water. I plan to bring much-needed attention to the Delta and the Valley as a whole. I will pursue coordinated, long-term policies that further watershed protection, improve water quality, strengthen flood control, and provide a stable water supply to meet the demands of our growing state’s population and agricultural and industrial users -- all of this as we do our very best to conserve this most precious resource," said Wolk.

The assemblywoman also will turn her attention to Southern California. "While Northern California grapples with water abundance and flood control, Southern California is dealing with a net loss of 1.5 million acre feet from federal allocations and the implementation of the Quantification Settlement Agreement," said the assemblywoman, "The ongoing drought in the Colorado River Basin could have a substantial impact on this agreement as the amount of water supplied by the river has been steadily declining. This will likely result in Southern California looking to Northern California water sources to quench its thirst. I will be vigilant in protecting Northern California's resources while recognizing we are one state that needs mutually beneficial solutions to meet all of our water demands."

Wolk expressed optimism about the future. "I look forward to working across party lines with my colleagues in the legislature, the administration, and all stakeholders to find balanced long-term solutions in the upcoming legislative session," she concluded.