NOTICE:

1. OPENING STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN GEORGE RADANOVICH

The Honorable George Radanovich

Chairman

House Water and Power Subcommittee

Legislative Hearing on H.R. 122, H.R. 2341, H.R. 3418, and H.R. 3929 1324 Longworth House Office Building October 6, 2005

Today’s legislative hearing is about creating new water supplies. As populations continue to grow and environmental lawsuits put people last, Congress must look at all water supply options for our growing Nation.

This subcommittee has looked at traditional surface storage as a primary way to develop supplies for competing demands. We have also focused on underground water storage as another supply mechanism. Today’s hearing will examine proposals that use desalination and water recycling as methods to create new water. Water recycling has been so successful in southern California, that the term “waste”water no longer exists in some communities.

But, my colleagues have rightly concluded that there are more opportunities in this arena. We will hear about three water recycling bills that aim to “drought proof” their respective areas and lessen dependence on traditional water supplies.

We will also hear about a landmark desalination proposal from this Subcommittee’s distinguished former Chairman, Ken Calvert. His legislation seeks to provide research and development funding for a unique intake system that could have positive impacts for the environment and could lead to significant cost reductions. This is a good bill that could have real results nationwide. I salute the former Chairman, but my only wish is that his bill could have somehow reined in the California Coastal Commission, an agency bent upon ignoring water supply realities in our State.

I commend my colleagues for their leadership in sponsoring these bills. I look forward to working with you further and hearing today’s testimony.

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CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE:

2. ANTICIPATED FLOOR SCHEDULE

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

One Minutes (5 per side)

H.R. 3893 - Gasoline for America`s Security Act of 2005 (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Barton / Energy and Commerce Committee) The rule provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order the following amendment:

Stupak Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (40 minutes of debate)

Rolled Suspension Vote (1 vote):

1) H.Con.Res. 248 - Honoring the life and work of Simon Wiesenthal and reaffirming the commitment of Congress to the fight against anti-Semitism and intolerance in all forms, in all forums, and in all nations (Sponsored by Rep. Waxman / International Relations Committee)

Special Orders

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CONGRESSIONAL PRESS RELEASES:

3. CRAPO SPEAKS ON ESA REFORM

Senator featured on talk show webcast

CONTACT: Susan Wheeler (202) 224-5150 Alison Aikele (202) 224-7518

October 6, 2005

Washington, DC -Endangered Species Act (ESA) legislation and recent developments regarding the Act were the topic of a webcast talk show today featuring Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, who is leading a bipartisan Senate Wildlife Recovery workgroup that is working to update the ESA.

The webcast talk show, "OnPoint", can be viewed at www.eandetv.com. "OnPoint" is a daily webcast focusing on environmental and energy issues, featuring top government, industry, policy, and academic experts. Crapo speaks about the recent House-passed ESA legislation and possible action in the Senate.

"All eyes are on now on the Senate to build on the strong points of consensus on improving the ESA," Crapo said. "It's been 17 years since the last amendments to the ESA and during that time, many people have come to agree that incentives for land owners and other updates will help us recover more endangered wildlife. I look forward to working with the leadership of the Senate Environment Committee and all interested Senators on this issue."

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4. BLUNT INTRODUCES PLAN TO HELP FARMERS AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS

Press Release from Rep. Roy Blunt

Date: 10/6/2005

WASHINGTON - House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) today joined Representatives Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.) and Jo Bonner (R-Ala.) to introduce the USDA Disaster Liaison Bill, designed to help expedite future federal disaster response for farmers. The bill will provide for a disaster liaison to assist state and local employees of the US Department of Agriculture in coordinating with other agencies as they respond to a federal disaster.

"Because Disaster Act declarations do not provide for a USDA representative, there was no single voice speaking for the agriculture sector following the back-to-back hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast," Blunt said. "The region's farms and agribusinesses suffered major losses in those disasters, but there was no single clearing house for information, response, or help. The new Disaster Liaison our bill would create should help."

The disaster liaison will provide public information to facilitate the claims and applications of agricultural producers who are victims of a disaster and simplify the process for the agriculture community in the wake of a natural disaster.

"Communicating with a federal agency, especially one that is very large and very complex like the USDA, can be very trying," Blunt continued. "A Disaster Liaison would help streamline that process and aid in the delivery of relief the federal government is equipped to provide."

Blunt has taken the lead on agriculture disaster response since tornados swept across Missouri in May 2003 causing $27 million in damages.

Co-sponsors also include Representatives Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Charles "Chip" Pickering (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

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5. ENERGY COMMITTEE FACT OF THE DAY

America is using more and more natural gas and producing less and less. US chemical industry domestic operations lost $50 billion in business to overseas operations since 2000. We went from posting trade surpluses in excess of $20 billion the most successful export industry in the history of this nation to becoming a net importer of chemicals. More than 100,000 American jobs have been displaced.

Not long ago, Business Week noted that of the 120 large-scale chemical plants under construction around the globe, only one is being built in the United States. The plants under construction are located in places where natural gas supply is abundant, reliable and affordable.

Source: Mr. Andrew Liveris, President and CEO of Dow Chemical.

Prepared testimony at todays Energy Committee hearing http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=1503

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AGENCY PRESS RELEASES:

6. SECRETARY OF INTERIOR REPORTS ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

Press Release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Contact: Chris Tollefson, (202)208-5634

Date: 10/6/2005

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton today released a report that shows recreational use on national wildlife refuges generated almost $1.4 billion in total economic activity during the 2004 fiscal year. The report, Banking on Nature 2004: The Economic Benefits to Local Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation, was compiled by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service economists.

According to the study, nearly 37 million people visited national wildlife refuges in 2004, creating almost 24,000 private sector jobs and producing about $454 million in employment income. Additionally, recreational spending on refuges generated nearly $151 million in tax revenue at the local, county, state and federal level.

"Our national wildlife refuges are not only beautiful places where fish and wildlife can flourish, they are also economic engines for their local communities, providing jobs, customers for local businesses, and tax revenue for local governments," Secretary Norton said. "With 17 new refuges and a 30 percent increase in the refuge system budget since 2001, we are ensuring our refuges continue to be places of awe and wonder as well as economic vitality for local communities across the country."

The report reinforces the travel industry's belief that ecotourism is becoming big business, according to Roger Dow, president of the Travel Industry Association of America, who unveiled the report with the Secretary of the Interior. The study measured the economic impact of ecotourism, large numbers of people traveling substantial distances for outdoor activities like wildlife observation and photography, as well as more traditional refuge programs like hunting and fishing.

Highlights from the Banking on Nature 2004 report include:

* More than 80 percent of retail sales came from people who traveled some distance to get to national wildlife refuges and the recreational opportunities they offer. Local residents accounted for just 17 percent of total retail sales to refuge visitors.

* The Southeast led the Refuge System in economic impact. With nearly 11 million visitors last year, national wildlife refuges in the Southeast created more than $451 million in economic activity and more than 8,500 jobs.

* The report shows a considerable "consumer surplus" of more than $1 billion in 2004. Consumer surplus is a measure of how much more people are willing to pay for recreation than it actually costs them.

Using findings from 93 national wildlife refuges considered typical in terms of the nation's recreational interests and spending habits, the report analyzed recreational participation in and expenditures for freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, migratory bird hunting, small game hunting, big game hunting and non-consumptive activities, including wildlife observation. Costs considered in the calculation of the total economic activity included money spent for food and refreshments, lodging at motels, cabins, lodges or campgrounds, and transportation.

In making its calculations, Banking on Nature 2004 used the Fish and Wildlife Service's "2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation" and the visitation numbers from Refuge Management Information System. Refuges with fewer than 1,500 visitors per year and those in Hawaii and Alaska (because travel there is so expensive) were excluded from the final calculations.

The National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses nearly 100 million acres and 545 national wildlife refuges. Priority uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System are hunting, fishing, photography, wildlife observation, environmental education, and interpretation.

For a copy of the report or to find more information on the National Wildlife Refuge System, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.

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NEWS ARTICLES:

7. SHARING THE WEST’S LIQUID GOLD

By Brandall, Citizen Journalist 10-06-05

The New West

Fish get pretty scarce when creeks run out of water. But farms and ranches don’t last long without water to grow their crops, either. That’s why water in the West is more precious than gold—not only is water scarce, it’s also essential for our ecology and economy.

Fortunately, a few organizations in western states are employing incentive-based methods to keep creeks flowing and cows growing. An innovative conservation approach to managing water rights within the Prior Appropriation Doctrine has recently emerged: water leasing.

Groups like the Montana Water Trust (MWT), a non-profit based in Missoula, Montana, are pioneering new models for water use in the West by applying tools such as water leasing to benefit landowners, streamflows, and communities.

“Water is the backbone of a healthy environment, and also the foundation of a successful ranch,” says Montana Water Trust Executive Director and co-founder, John Ferguson.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.newwest.net/index.php/main/article/3685/

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8. AGENCY CONSIDERS BUILDING NEW LEVEE IN NORTHERN SACRAMENTO COUNTY

By Carrie Peyton Dahlberg -- Bee Staff Writer

Published 2:51 pm PDT Thursday, October 6, 2005

To better protect tens of thousands of Natomas residents from flooding, it might make sense to start all over - at least with a major stretch of Sacramento River levees.

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency is considering whether to build a new levee, set well back into farmland from the current one, along up to 5.5 miles of the river.

The very tentative proposal, still being investigated to see if it makes financial sense, would be part of a package aimed at someday protecting the fast-growing basin north of downtown from a 200-year flood.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/13674720p-14517207c.html

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9. DEFENSES DECAYED

Neglected levees pushed past limits

By Stuart Leavenworth -- Bee Staff Writer

Published 2:15 a.m. PST Sunday, March 28, 2004

First of three parts

Seen from the back yards of hundreds of homeowners, the levee that lines the Sacramento River looks strong and stout, ready to hold back a river that once flooded the Valley from side to side.

Seen from a boat, the levee is a mess. At seven points from the Pocket to Land Park, the current has scoured holes in the riverbank. In some places it has undercut trees that could fall into the river during a flood, taking a chunk of the levee with them.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/projects/flood/

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10. MULTI-STATE WATER DEAL IN WORKS

By Jerd Smith, Rocky Mountain News

October 6, 2005

Colorado's stake in the river that bears its name would be protected under a broad-based proposal now being negotiated among seven Western states, even if a long-term drought forced it to temporarily reduce the amount of water it now delivers through Lake Powell to the thirsty cities that lie downstream.

Under the 1922 Colorado River Compact, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico — the Upper Basin states — are obligated to deliver 7.5 million acre feet of water annually to the Lower Basin states, California, Nevada and Arizona.

For the remainder of this article see: http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/news/article/0,1299,DRMN_3_4137520,00.html

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11. STATE WATER BOARD RESUMES LOW INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM

By: State Water Board

Published: October 6, 2005 at 09:53

The State Water Board announced today that it has resumed offering new loans from the State Revolving Fund program. The program was suspended in November 2003 because the available funds were committed.

The State Revolving Fund program is key to helping the State Water Board protect and improve California's water resources. The program makes low interest loans to communities throughout California to improve wastewater treatment and recycling systems, to correct nonpoint source pollution, and to carry out programs that enhance estuaries.

Since 1989 the program has funded more than $3 billion in loans, and averages about $250 million annually in loans.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_26045.shtml

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12. ALLARD SAYS EXTEND FISH RESCUE PROGRAM

Thursday, October 06, 2005

By GARY HARMON

The Daily Sentinel

Efforts centered in western Colorado to save four endangered fish species should be a model for other rescue efforts, Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., said.

Allard today planned to urge a Senate committee to continue the recovery program in the Upper Colorado and San Juan River basins.

“This is a program I hold up as an example,” Allard said Wednesday of the effort to restore the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker and two other species. “It’s one of the more successful programs because it focuses on species recovery. It has been remarkably effective in preserving these species without curtailing use of the water in which they live.”

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/2005/10/06/10_6_Endangered_fish_WWW.html

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13. BLM RESOURCE PLAN WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED

By PARIS ACHEN

Mail Tribune

October 6, 2005

After more than 10 years without significant changes to the way the Bureau of Land Management handles natural resources, the agency is revising its resource management plan for Western Oregon.

The plan will shape the way the agency manages natural resources for the next 10 to 15 years on 2.5 million acres of public lands from Salem to Medford, BLM officials said.

Workshops Wednesday and Thursday in Medford and Grants Pass will launch the revision process with comments from the public about their visions of how the agency should handle forests, water, wildlife and logging.

For the remainder of this article see: http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/1006/local/stories/12local.htm

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14. NORTH DAKOTA: RECORD SNOWSTORM STRANDS TRAVELERS

AROUND THE NATION

The Washington Times

October 7, 2005

BISMARCK -- The earliest major snowstorm on record in North Dakota left scores of travelers stranded in shelters and blocked highways in parts of the Midwestern state yesterday, officials said.

"Even by North Dakota standards, this was a large storm," said Rob Keller, public information officer for the state National Guard in the capital, Bismarck, where temperatures were below freezing yesterday after hitting 90 degrees last weekend.

No injuries or deaths were reported, and two persons who had been reported missing were found, Mr. Keller said.

The storm, which struck Wednesday dumped more than 20 inches of snow in some areas.

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