Congressional Candidate Intends to File a Petition to Declare the Delta Smelt Extinct

On Monday, Chris Mathys, a Republican who intends to challenge Congressman David Valadao in the 2022 election,  issued a statement Monday of his intent to file a petition to declare the delta smelt extinct.

Since 2009, the delta smelt have been  listed as an endangered species by the California Endangered Species Act.

As long as the delta smelt are protected, it means that there will continue to be water flow through the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and less down south to farmers.

Valadeo, a Republican, currently serves CA-21 which includes all of Kings County, as well as portions of Fresno, Kern, and Tulare Counties.  He was also one of 10 house Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump.

The following press release was issued Monday:

(A notice of intent to file a petition to declare the delta smelt extinct has been served to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skip in Washington DC and California State Director, Charlton H. Bonham in Sacramento, Ca.)

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA -Federal and state mandated rules related to the delta smelt in California are severely restricting the releases of surface water relied upon by California’s farmers and ranchers. Agriculture products are vital to California’s economy and farmers depend on an adequate water supply to grow nuts, fruits and vegetables that provide food for Americans and the rest of the world.

Statistics show the delta smelt is expected to disappear completely from California’s water-ways over the next couple years and recovery as a species is highly unlikely.

The serving of the 30 day letter of intent, is a requirement of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before a formal petition can be filed. (letter of intent is attached)