Senate passes bill to require independent risk analysis
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed on Monday the 2019 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, which requires an independent risk analysis of Oroville Dam.
Additionally, the bill would order the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to report the findings of an independent panel reviewing the state Department of Water Resources’ dam safety practices to the Senate committee.
Next, the proposed piece of legislation will head to the House of Representatives for reconciliation and a final vote. It passed through the Senate energy and water development appropriations subcommittee on May 24.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-calif., and Chairman Lamar Alexander, R-tenn. It includes $575 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation water infrastructure and drought programs in the state.
“This bill reflects the needs of our nation, making key investments in our water infrastructure, preventing and mitigating the effects of drought, important scientific research and developing clean energy alternatives to combat climate change,” Feinstein said in a press release from her office.
In a compromise, it would fulfill a request of the Trump administration with $65 million to turn the W-76 warhead into a low-yield weapon – though Feinstein said the U.S. does not need this.
“President Trump claims these weapons are needed to fight a ‘limited’ nuclear Work continues on the middle chute of the Lake Oroville main spillway during Phase 2 of the recovery effort on the dam in Butte County.
war against Russia,” Feinstein said in a written statement. “There is no such thing as a ‘limited’ nuclear war. Once a nuclear weapon is used – by any country against any target – that’s the end of us.”
Feinstein thanked Alexander for working closely with her on the bipartisan legislation.
“This is a balanced bill that includes priorities from all sides,” Feinstein said.