Baca, congressional hispanic caucus, meet with Salazar
Rep.
Joe Baca and other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on
Friday met with the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to discuss
environmental and economic priorities of Congress.
At the meeting, Baca spoke about a variety of issues, including protecting the rights of California's Native American communities, water conservation and the need for greater involvement from the Fish and Wildlife Service in the Inland area, according to a news release from the lawmaker's office.
The "discussion with Secretary Salazar gave me an opportunity to advocate for the Native American community, and stress the need for greater respect of their right to sovereignty," Baca said.
"Native
Americans everywhere must be treated with respect, dignity, and
fairness -- and I was pleased to have the chance to address their
important concerns regarding land and water issues with the
Administration."
During the meeting, Baca stressed the importance for greater enforcement of the land and water rights of tribal entities in the Inland area, including the Soboba, Pechanga and Morongo band of Indians. Baca also took part in discussions about the need for clean water and more flexibility in the Endangered Species Act, according to the news release.
"My meeting with the secretary also was a great opportunity to talk about the critical environmental concerns affecting Southern California," Baca said.
"Primary among these is the need for clean, safe water for drinking and agricultural purposes. I spoke to the Secretary on the merits of my legislation, H.R. 2316, the Inland Empire Perchlorate Ground Water Plume Assessment Act, and stressed the need for the support of the Environmental Protection Agency and others to help find a realistic solution to the perchlorate problem.
"The meeting also gave me the chance to speak on the need for greater flexibility in the regulations and enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, and petition for more local involvement in the Inland Empire from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ... Unfortunately, farming and development interests in the Inland area continually struggle with often overly burdensome regulations. The Fish and Wildlife's Service's direct involvement in our area could help to alleviate much of the confusion and economic uncertainty this situation causes."
Baca is a Democrat who represents the 43rd District, which includes Fontana and Ontario.
During the meeting, Baca stressed the importance for greater enforcement of the land and water rights of tribal entities in the Inland area, including the Soboba, Pechanga and Morongo band of Indians. Baca also took part in discussions about the need for clean water and more flexibility in the Endangered Species Act, according to the news release.
"My meeting with the secretary also was a great opportunity to talk about the critical environmental concerns affecting Southern California," Baca said.
"Primary among these is the need for clean, safe water for drinking and agricultural purposes. I spoke to the Secretary on the merits of my legislation, H.R. 2316, the Inland Empire Perchlorate Ground Water Plume Assessment Act, and stressed the need for the support of the Environmental Protection Agency and others to help find a realistic solution to the perchlorate problem.
"The meeting also gave me the chance to speak on the need for greater flexibility in the regulations and enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, and petition for more local involvement in the Inland Empire from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ... Unfortunately, farming and development interests in the Inland area continually struggle with often overly burdensome regulations. The Fish and Wildlife's Service's direct involvement in our area could help to alleviate much of the confusion and economic uncertainty this situation causes."
Baca is a Democrat who represents the 43rd District, which includes Fontana and Ontario.
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