RIDER THREATENS FLINT FUNDING, CA BAY DELTA AND WILDLIFE

WASHINGTON (Dec. 5, 2016) – Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) inserted anti-environmental language into the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bill today that would undermine protections for salmon, Delta smelt and other endangered species in California. This language jeopardizes vital funding to help Flint, Michigan replace its lead-contaminated water system.

The following is a statement by Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife:

“This is a case of across-the-aisle deal-making gone wrong. This cynical and unacceptable ploy threatens wildlife in California, risks the health of the already-stressed Bay Delta and ultimately jeopardizes the welfare of the Flint community. The proposed rider in WRDA undermines critical protections for salmon, Delta smelt and other endangered wildlife. 

“Every person has a right to clean water, clean air and healthy ecosystems. Access to safe drinking water should never be a bargaining chip for political gain.

“We need both clean budgets and clean water, and this rider attempts to trade one for the other.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org. For the latest news from Defenders, follow us at @DefendersNews.