On Tuesday, RCRC First Vice Chair Daron McDaniel (Merced) testified before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 2nd National Drought Forum in Washington, D.C.  Supervisor McDaniel discussed the California drought of 2012-2016 and its lasting impacts on the local ecosystem, agricultural economy, and the state's groundwater aquifers. 

Supervisor McDaniel advocated for a more dynamic approach and focus on environmental and ecosystem management, citing the importance of a coordinated effort amongst all stakeholders.  Supervisor McDaniel’s presentation can be accessed here.

After the NOAA Forum, Supervisor McDaniel and RCRC staff spent the rest of their time on Capitol Hill advocating on behalf of rural California’s water priorities.  RCRC met with the offices of Senator Kamala Harris (D-California) and Representatives TJ Cox (D-Kings), Jim Costa (D-Fresno), and Josh Harder (D-Turlock).  RCRC staff also met with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Washington, D.C. office and Chad Rupe, Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service.  RCRC provided policymakers with a rural county perspective on national issues such as water supply and rural broadband.