WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Doc Hastings (WA-04) today named Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-04) as the new Ranking Member of the Water and Power Subcommittee.  McClintock will take over the position from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) who was recently selected to serve as Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee on the Education and Labor Committee.

“Rep. McClintock has shown tremendous dedication and leadership on a number of natural resources issues,” said Ranking Member Hastings. “As California faces a severe water crisis, it is more important than ever to have leaders in Congress, like McClintock, who understand the importance of having access to a stable and abundant water supply, especially for our agriculture and rural communities. I’m confident that McClintock will be a strong advocate for water users in California and throughout the West.”

“I’m honored to have been named as the ranking Republican on the Water and Power sub-committee of the House Natural Resources Committee,” said Rep. McClintock.  “There is now a great debate in Congress over whether government will merely ration shortages that it has created or whether it will return to its traditional goal of promoting abundance through the development of our nation’s vast water and hydroelectric resources.  This debate is of critical importance to the quality of life and prosperity of our nation and I am looking forward to taking an active role in it.

“I’m also grateful for Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ service on this Subcommittee,” continued Hastings. “As a senior Member of our Committee, she will continue advancing issues important to Eastern Washington and the Pacific Northwest.”

The Subcommittee on Water and Power is responsible for matters concerning America’s water resources, generation of electric power from federal water projects and interstate water issues.  Republicans on the Subcommittee are devoted to promoting low-cost, clean, renewable and emissions-free hydroelectricity generated by federal dams and reservoirs. Republicans are also working to improve federal government regulations to ensure projects are less expensive, more transparent and not delayed by unnecessary red tape.

CONTACT:   Emily Lawrimore or Jill Strait, Resources Committee
202-226-2311
Bill George or Jennifer Cressy, Congressman Tom McClintock's Office  916-786-5560

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