Valley lawmakers fail to block fish-saving measure

The Associated Press
12:56 p.m. June 26, 2009

FRESNO, Calif. — For the second time, members of the San Joaquin Valley congressional delegation have failed to gain support for an amendment to block federal rules setting aside water for endangered fish.

The lawmakers are working to amend an Interior Department funding bill as Secretary Ken Salazar prepares for a meeting in Fresno Sunday to discuss the impact of water shortages on the region's farm economy.

The representatives have been trying to block the federal biological opinions that reserve more water in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta for salmon and smelt.

Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, says the House have "chosen fish over working families."

Fishermen argue that keeping the water in the delta is essential to preserve their livelihoods.

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