Rep. Westerman Criticizes Longfin Smelt Listing Under Endangered Species Act

Opposition to Longfin Smelt Listing

• ❌ Representative Bruce Westerman rises in support of HJ resolution 78, which aims to undo the listing of the longfin smelt in the San Francisco Bay Delta.
• ⚠️ The listing is described as being based on flawed science and adding unnecessary regulatory red tape that hinders water delivery to California's Central Valley.

Water Scarcity and Agricultural Impact

• 💧 California's Central Valley, a major agricultural region, faces water uncertainty due to drought and ESA-related regulations.
• 🏞️ The Central Valley Project is mandated to divert water to the San Francisco Bay, impacting water allocations for farms and communities, even when reservoirs are nearly full.
• 🌾 This situation is expected to worsen with the listing of the longfin smelt, further restricting water availability.

Critiques of the Listing Process

• 🔬 The listing is criticized for focusing solely on the Bay Delta rather than the smelt's entire range, with evidence suggesting the species is found in numerous locations and is not at risk of extinction.
• ⚖️ The decision is characterized as a result of radical environmental groups using lawsuits to achieve predetermined outcomes, rather than genuine scientific assessment.
• 🗣️ The stated motivation behind the lawsuit was to take more water away from farmers, indicating the species itself is not the primary concern.
• 💡 Westerman urges colleagues to support the resolution to roll back this misguided listing.