WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement after being named Chair of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as implementation of the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, key statutes that impact California and the entire country.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife during this critical time in California and across the West. Our region has endured years of historic drought and felt the acute impacts of the climate crisis. That’s why this Committee made the single largest federal investment in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure with the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law last Congress. As our nation grapples with these challenges and looks to implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, it is critical that we improve our water resiliency efforts, preserve our wildlife and the lands they call home, and restore our marine ecosystems.

“California is a global biodiversity hotspot, and we are proud to be home to more species of plants and animals than any other state in the nation. I am committed to preserving our natural ecosystems while growing our economy and improving public access to nature. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the many environmental challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Senator Padilla has long been a staunch advocate for water resiliency, access to clean and affordable drinking water, and the protection of wildlife throughout California and across the country. Padilla introduced the Water Efficiency, Conservation, and Sustainability Act to incentivize water-efficiency upgrades and establish programs to identify and repair leaks, especially in areas experiencing severe drought. He also introduced the Water Reuse and Resiliency Act to authorize $1 billion over five years for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Pilot Program for Alternative Water Source Projects grants program. In the last few months, Padilla has also announced over $600 million for clean water infrastructure and $870 million in funding for California water projects.

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