Congressman Adam Gray (D-Merced) introduced the Valley Water Protection Act today, aiming to safeguard water access for Central Valley farmers and producers. The bill seeks to amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to prevent enforcement actions that could pose national security threats or cause regional economic harm. Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) co-led the legislation.
"Valley farmers and producers are the backbone of our community’s economy but increasingly have to worry about whether they will have reliable access to the water necessary to continue their production," Gray said. "For years, greedy state and federal bureaucrats have attempted to rob the Valley of its water in favor of San Francisco and Los Angeles elites, jeopardizing the agricultural production that funds our state and feeds the country. By introducing the Valley Water Protection Act, I’m sending those who would dry out the Valley a clear message: the tap is turned off."
As agriculture-dependent communities, Gustine and Newman rely on stable water supplies for crops and livestock production. If ESA enforcement continues to restrict water availability, local farmers could see reduced irrigation allocations, potentially affecting crop yields and farm operations.
The bill’s proposed exemption process could benefit these towns by ensuring reliable water deliveries, allowing farmers to plan with greater certainty and avoid production losses.
"While TID continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving ecosystems and the environment, it is critical that the potential significant economic impacts of Endangered Species Act regulation are understood and considered," said Brad Koehn, General Manager of Turlock Irrigation District, which supplies water to parts of the area.
Additionally, employment in food processing, dairy farming, and related industries could be impacted. If water security improves, the economic stability of Gustine and Newman may strengthen, preventing job losses tied to agricultural uncertainty.
The bill may also impact groundwater management and storage projects in the region. The Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir, a proposed water storage project west of Patterson, could
Stephanie Dietz, Director of the Merced Irrigation District, praised the bill’s approach, stating: "Protecting endangered species and ensuring water access for our users are not mutually exclusive—we can and must do both. This bill is a step toward bringing the Endangered Species Act into the 21st century with sensible environmental policy reform."
Some environmental groups may raise concerns that loosening ESA restrictions could reduce protections for critical habitats, potentially affecting wildlife near agricultural areas. However, supporters argue that ESA regulations should not come at the expense of rural economies.
"The Endangered Species Act is long overdue for an overhaul, and we applaud Representative Gray for introducing this bill," said Jimi Netniss, General Manager of Modesto Irrigation District.
If enacted, the Valley Water Protection Act would allow permit applications to seek exemptions when ESA regulations pose threats to economic or national security interests. The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to report findings before the ESA Committee makes a final determination.
Gray’s bill joins broader efforts to modernize ESA implementation, including legislation backed by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman.
Johnny Amaral, COO of the Friant Water Authority, noted: "The much-needed bipartisan emphasis and support for sensible reform will go a long way towards making the ESA work better for both species and rural agricultural communities."
