Dreier Applauds Passage of Fiscally Responsible Interior Appropriations Bill

May 18, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas,CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted last night to fund environmental and natural resource programs, including a critical water program in Arcadia and Sierra Madre, while at the same time decrease spending compared to last year’s bil. H.R. 5386, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2007, was approved by a bipartisan vote of 293-128.

"This bill protects our natural resources and improves the quality of our water supply, two top priorities for the Foothills. We have also eliminated programs that have not worked and cut spending compared to last year," said Dreier. "House Republicans take our responsibility to rein-in government spending just as seriously as we in California take our duty to be stewards of the land. This bill accomplishes both without sacrificing either."

The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2007 funds three federal departments and numerous agencies and bureaus, including the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. The legislation appropriates a total of $25.9 billion, which is $145 million below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level.

H.R. 5386 provides $1 million for the ongoing Arcadia and Sierra Madre Joint Water Infrastructure Restoration Program. This program will improve the water infrastructure that both cities reply upon, which is at risk due to deterioration from age and the potential impact from a major seismic event in the region. The legislation also protects the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests by funding the National Fire Plan. The plan calls for extinguishing fires before they become large and expensive; reducing wildfire risk with active management to reduce hazardous fuels; and funding vital forest health and pest management activities. H.R. 5386 also helps address long-term solutions to high energy prices by supporting energy programs authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

"This bill is fiscally responsible, environmentally sound and it has a direct, positive impact on the Foothills."