Secretary Salazar's Statement on National Academy of Sciences Review of California Bay Delta Water Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar released the following statement on the National Academy of Sciences' scientific review of key questions on California Bay Delta water issues:

“I would like to thank the National Academy of Sciences for its first report, released today, regarding key questions relating to the California Bay Delta.

“In November 2009 the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce asked for an independent scientific review evaluating the status of the California Bay Delta, specifically as to how to protect this precious, complicated and unique ecosystem while also providing a reliable water supply for Californians.

“I am very grateful that the Academy produced this report in record time. I appreciate the intensive and thorough work done by both the Academy and the panel of eminent scientists and scholars who volunteered their time on this complicated assignment. We are committed to having our policy decisions driven by the best science available to us. I am directing our team to review carefully the report we have just received and to determine how we might most effectively take advantage of the National Academy's hard work.

“We also look forward to assisting the Academy as it tackles its second report, which will address scientific questions relating to the full array of factors affecting the health of the Bay Delta and long term measures to restore the ecosystem.”