The following is Congressman George Radanovich's letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger, written Oct. 23, 2009. Below, find the Governor's response.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

As you are well aware, the San Joaquin Valley is currently suffering from a man-made drought, brought on by overzealous environmental regulations that place the rights of fish above the rights of people. Agriculture production makes the Valley one of California’s largest economic contributors—literally feeding our economy as we feed the rest of the nation with our bountiful produce. However, due to Endangered Species Act restrictions on the Delta Pumps, the economic engine that is California agriculture is about to come to a grinding halt. This does not have to be the case.

As my colleagues and I have asked you to do many times, you, as governor of California can request the convening of the God Squad—a cadre of federal officials who have the authority to waive the Endangered Species Act if the restrictions are found to cause excessive destruction to jobs and the economy. The protection of the Delta Smelt—the three inch minnow that is responsible for the Delta Pumps being shut down during planting season and thereby killing California agriculture—certainly meets this qualification. The silence of your response has been deafening.

Today you signed a bill exempting the construction of a new National Football League (NFL) stadium in Los Angeles from California environmental regulations. While I support your efforts to override environmental regulations when it is necessary to do so, I do not understand why you have been unwilling to ask the President to do the same for our farmers. I am concerned that this sends the message that environmental protections are less important than football but more important than 40,000 jobless farmers and farm workers, towns with unemployment rates of 40 percent, rising crime rates and mile long food lines that would be ironic if they weren’t so depressing.

In your own words regarding the signing of this bill:

“This is the best kind of action state government can create: action that cuts red tape, generates jobs, is environmentally friendly and brings a continued economic boost to California.”

I agree with you, cutting environmental red tape will generate jobs and boost our economy in the case of the NFL stadium. That same red tape is preventing our farmers from planting crops this year, which will result in the loss of $2 billion of income—apparently enough to buy at least two football stadiums.

Mr. Governor, if waiving environmental regulations is good enough for the NFL fans of Los Angeles, why is it not good enough for the hard working farmers of the San Joaquin Valley?

Again, on behalf of my constituents whose livelihoods depend on water, and who want nothing more than to farm their land and feed our country, I urgently request that you ask President Obama to convene the God Squad for the purposes of examining the Endangered Species Acts restrictions as it applies to the Delta Smelt. We are eagerly awaiting your response.

Sincerely,
/s/
GEORGE RADANOVICH
Member of Congress

In response, the Governor wrote the following.

October 28, 2009

The Honorable George Radanovich
U.S. House of Representatives
2410 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-0519

Dear Mr. Radanovich,

Thank you for writing about the drought in California and my administration's continuing work both to alleviate its effects now and build a safe, abundant water supply for the future. Regrettably, your letter was essentially an exercise in confusion, but I am glad it gives me an opportunity to clear up some of your impressions of these vitally important endeavors.

Based on my frequent contact and strong partnerships with Central Valley and agriculture industry representatives, my administration has taken every helpful step possible over the past several years to alleviate the effects of the drought. That includes pressing Secretary Locke and Secretary Salazar to reconsider the biological opinions that are bringing California agriculture to its knees; seeking federal disaster declarations to get drought victims the help they need and deserve; and proclaiming a state of emergency and issuing executive orders for the same reason.

Because I'm only interested in taking those steps that might actually help the individuals and industries suffering under this drought, I carefully studied the possibility of petitioning for the initiation of the "God Squad" and ultimately concluded that it makes little sense for California. Our water supply shortages are here and now. By contrast, the God Squad process takes years to reach any sort of resolution and, in fact, h as failed four out of the five times it has been attempted. Convening the God Squad is neither a fast nor a certain method at a time when Californians need speed and certainty. Instead, I am working with the federal administration on new approaches that will provide a reliable water supply for our economy and protect our environment.

You may not be aware that balance is important to the people of California, and it's important to me. As you were kind enough to point out, I just last week signed a bill that will streamline the construction of the nation's first LEED-certified stadium complex, create more than 18,000 jobs and generate more than $760 million every year. The bill recognizes the thorough environmental review already done and clears the way for construction and job creation to begin.

In the meantime, thank you again for writing. If I can clear up any other misconceptions for you, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Congressman Radanovich then issued this response.

"While I appreciate and support what the Governor has done to try to alleviate California's man-made drought, my intention was to compare what he has done for Los Angeles football fans to what he hasn't done for Valley farmers--waive environmental regulations to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The San Joaquin Valley agriculture community is beyond a point of desperation. I am of the understanding that the God Squad will take less time than the Governor indicates and I believe he owes it to the State to force the Obama administration to do whatever they can to get water back to the Valley."