On May 1, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 78, a resolution intended to overturn the Biden Administration’s decision to list the longfin smelt as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The measure was led by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa and aims to prevent the designation of critical habitat for the species, ensuring that California’s water remains accessible for agricultural and domestic purposes.
Chairman LaMalfa criticized the current administration’s handling of the listing, describing it as a political maneuver to impede California water policy. He stated that “this listing is based on cherry-picked scientific anecdotes,” questioning the validity of the science behind the decision. He argued that the regulation has led to significant water waste and that only a fraction of promised water allocations are reaching farmers.
Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, commented on the perceived inaccuracies in the listing decision, which he believes have unnecessarily complicated water resource access in California. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of Congressman LaMalfa and the California Republican delegation in pushing for the resolution.
Vice Chair Jay Obernolte suggested that the listing has exacerbated the state’s existing water challenges, further hindering efforts to deliver water where it is most needed. Representative Ken Calvert echoed similar sentiments, stating that the resolution reverses a regulation driven by what he described as “radical environmentalists.”
Vince Fong emphasized the importance of prioritizing water solutions over what he characterized as unwarranted protections for the longfin smelt, supporting legislation that he believes will benefit California communities by ensuring reliable water supplies.
David Valadao labeled the Biden Administration’s decision as “an environmental policy not grounded in science,” emphasizing the burden such regulations place on families and farmers, particularly in California’s Central Valley. He expressed satisfaction with the passage of the resolution, believing it contributes to reversing restrictions that have negatively impacted the state’s agricultural sector.
The longfin smelt’s designation, put forward by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during the Biden Administration, imposes additional restrictions on California’s water projects, specifically the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project. Critics argue that these regulations lead to further water diversions to the Pacific Ocean rather than supporting state agriculture and communities.
