LOS ANGELES, CA, Apr. 18, 2009 -- Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issues the following statement regarding the call today by U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to resign for his failure to respond to the ongoing statewide water crisis:
"Since taking office, Gov. Schwarzenegger has demonstrated the necessary leadership for taking constructive, collaborative steps that address our state-wide water problems.
"The governor's proactive approach in directly tackling California's most pressing water issues is best demonstrated by his Delta Vision process. That process has validated the magnitude of the state's water crisis and concluded that immediate action must be taken to address long-standing problems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
"The action by our Board of Directors earlier this week to limit imported supplies this summer, which will lead to mandatory conservation actions throughout most of the Southland, has heightened the urgent need for long-term solutions in California. We look forward to continuing to work with the governor in his efforts to help restore the Delta's fragile ecosystem and make the essential improvements that help ensure water reliability for consumers, businesses and farms that fuel the state's economy."
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.
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