Bill at odds with settlement between ag, wildlife groups.


WASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers on Wednesday resumed their controversial efforts to repeal a San Joaquin River restoration plan and curtail fish and wildlife protections.

In a wide-ranging bill introduced without Democratic support or complete farmer knowledge, three GOP House members would lengthen federal irrigation contracts, limit legal challenges from environmentalists and limit the amount of water diverted from farms.

The bill also would upend the carefully negotiated settlement that aims to return water and salmon to the San Joaquin River below Friant Dam.

Read more: http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/05/11/2385201/gop-tries-to-halt-river-plan.html#ixzz1M9lJ7DtT