Washington, D.C. - The Southern California Groundwater Remediation Act, authored by Joe Baca (D-Rialto), became one step closer to becoming law today when the Water and Power Subcommittee of the House Resources Committee passed it by unanimous consent. There was no debate on the bill, which has gained bipartisan support. 

The next step for the bill is to pass the House Resources Committee. A date has not been set for a markup yet. 

The bill will create a fund administered by the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, that will assist in the funding and implementation of groundwater remediation. It will support areas covered by the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and the San Gabriel River watershed. Southern California, and particularly the Inland Empire, has been greatly impacted by perchlorate-contaminated water. Rep. Baca's bill will alleviate the economic burden of perchlorate clean up on the community. 

Perchlorate is a chemical that is a main ingredient in rocket fuel. It has been found in 20 states, including California. It has been linked to thyroid damage and may be especially harmful to infants and developing fetuses. Perchlorate in water supplies is left over from former military sites, defense contractors and other industries. 

Action on perchlorate clean up has been delayed due to high costs, a debate over who holds responsibility for the contamination, and lack of a clear standard for what level of perchlorate is dangerous. Rep. Baca's bill will allow communities to get the money they need for perchlorate clean up without the debate. 

"Until someone can tell us that perchlorate in our water, milk and lettuce is good for us, Congress should offer assistance," said Congressman Baca. 

"Our communities are tired of watching the finger pointing, and waiting for someone to step up to the plate."

# # #