Dr. Ruiz Statement on Breakthrough Colorado River Basin States Agreement 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) released the following statement in reaction to a proposal agreed to by California, Arizona, and Nevada to voluntarily conserve river water in exchange for federal funding under the Inflation Reduction Act: 

“The Colorado River drought mitigation plan agreement submitted for review is a critical development in our efforts to mitigate the drought. It is clear that California’s 25th Congressional District plays an important role in producing our nation’s produce, and our desert environment makes water a vital public health issue for our residents. Any reduction in water to our area has a disproportionate, negative impact on our residents and environment due to the Salton Sea’s receding shoreline and our residents’ reliance on agriculture for their livelihoods. Additionally, California and the agencies within the district hold some of the most senior water rights. I will be laser-focused on making sure our region gets our fair share of resources, and that the wellbeing of my constituents is front and center.” 

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