This week, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reinitiated consultation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service 2019 biological opinions related to the coordinated long-term operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response:
 
"This action is completely unnecessary and insulting to the communities who need water delivered from these legendary projects. I had the opportunity in August to see firsthand the devastating impacts the severe drought and lack of adequate water storage are having on the San Joaquin Valley. This tone deaf action will only make matters for worse for the disadvantaged communities, families and farmworkers whose livelihoods depend on reliable water supplies. It does nothing to help species and ignores the scientific work done by career staff at the Departments of the Interior and Commerce. Litigants are the only winners today. I stand with my California Republican colleagues in condemnation of this politically-driven act and will work with them to fight this unwarranted action."