Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a field hearing in Redmond, Ore., to hear from local and tribal witnesses on the importance of using locally driven solutions to solve Oregon's longstanding water challenges.

"Water is essential. Drought and federal regulations are combining to create winners and losers in the allocation of water. Nowhere is this more evident than in Central Oregon. Water once used in productive and important crops is being taken and placed into streams for frogs and fish, with no regard for the damage done to those from whom the water is being take. I was extremely pleased, as the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, to bring the committee to Central Oregon for a hearing on these important issues.

"I want to thank Congresswoman Lori-Chavez-DeRemer for hosting this hearing in her congressional district. This gave us the chance to hear how the locally driven, cooperative efforts happening there were working. The two clear messages from the witness’s testimony were that we need to better protect our watersheds from fire and our farmers and ranchers from being ruined by the implementation of the endangered species act. The witnesses’ testimony was helpful and we will return to Washington better prepared to draft legislation addressing these issues."  - Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.)

"Whether it’s for farming, drinking, wildlife habitat, or fighting wildfires, protecting Central Oregon’s water supply is of vital importance to our environment and quality of life. Today’s hearing demonstrated the value of collaboration to secure reliable access to our most critical resource for generations to come. I’m grateful for Chairman Bentz’s leadership on these issues, and I would like to extend a special thank you to all of my colleagues who came to the 5th District to discuss the importance of protecting our water supply." – U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.)

Background

In Oregon, locally-led solutions have historically best addressed ongoing challenges facing the water supply. The Deschutes River Basin provides water for eight irrigation districts and supports one of the fastest growing regions of the United States. The rapid growth, along with the agricultural needs of the area, has dramatically increased demand and pressure on the region's water supply. Irrigation districts, government agencies and conservation groups have collaborated to address these issues head-on through water conservation and marketing projects that have restored significant flow to the basin's rivers and streams. 

Today's hearing allowed members to hear more from local and tribal witnesses about these ongoing projects, the best water conservation solutions for the region and ways the federal government can engage with local communities to support their efforts, not hinder them. To learn more, click here.