Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) lauded bipartisan legislation passed by the California State Legislature to address the state’s water crisis.

Senator Boxer said, “I commend the legislature and the governor for their successful efforts to approve a comprehensive water package and bond measure that will be presented to California voters. While no legislation is perfect, the bipartisan spirit that led to the passage of these measures will move our state toward meeting the needs of our people, our farming communities and the environment.  We must continue to work together, at the state and federal level, on pragmatic short-term and long-term solutions.”

Senator Boxer and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) recently passed an amendment – now law – that temporarily allows voluntary water transfers throughout the San Joaquin Valley.  This will make it easier for drought-plagued agriculture communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley to access water when they need it most.  Senators Boxer and Feinstein will testify before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee tomorrow on their legislation to make their amendment permanent.  This effort is part of thework at the federal level toward comprehensive solutions to California’s water crisis.