NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Wednesday, a bill by Lake County’s members of the Assembly that aims to protect Clear Lake passed out of the State Assembly.
Assembly Bill 707 passed out of the State Assembly with a bipartisan vote of 63-0, according to Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry’s office.
The bill will establish a Blue Ribbon Committee for the Rehabilitation of Clear Lake, providing the necessary structure to leverage State funding for the protection of Clear Lake.
“This bill is a win for Lake County in more ways than one,” said Aguiar-Curry. “Today, the Assembly voted to help us keep Clear Lake clear, and to provide a venue for my local constituents, elected officials, tribes, and environmental and agricultural groups to have input on the future of the lake. This will help us better access state funding to maintain Clear Lake’s importance as the center of the region’s community and economy.”
Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in California, and the county’s main tourist destination for fishing and recreational water activities.
The lake is central to Lake County’s tribal cultures and remains a top economic contributor for the county.
Clear Lake also is home to the Clear Lake Hitch, a fish listed by federal officials as threatened, and holds environmental significance for the surrounding region’s plant and animal life.
AB 707 enjoys significant local support, including the Lake County Board of Supervisors, Lake County’s tribal community, and environmental and business groups.
Similar efforts to gain state investment in the protection of Lake Tahoe and the Salton Sea only succeeded after state committees were authorized by law.
The bill, modeled after those efforts, puts Lake County in a position to obtain similar assistance.
“This committee and the maintenance of a healthy Clear Lake will be a community effort,” said Aguiar-Curry. “I want us to work together to benefit all of Lake County. When people come together, things get done. AB 707 gives the region a chance to work towards a healthier future.”
AB 707 will now move to the California State Senate.
Aguiar-Curry represents the Fourth Assembly District, which includes all of Lake and Napa counties, parts of Colusa County, all of Yolo County except West Sacramento, Dixon in Solano County and Rohnert Park in Sonoma County. Visit her Web site at www.asm.ca.gov/aguiar-curry .
Aguiar-Curry bill to protect Clear Lake passes State Assembly, moves to Senate
- Lake County News reports
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