Rep. Torres to Serve on Natural Resources Committee, Water and Indian Affairs Subcommittees

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Natural Resources Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) announced Rep. Norma J. Torres's (D-CA) appointment to the Natural Resources Committee and the Subcommittees on Water, Power and Oceans and on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs. The Natural Resources Committee oversees issues related to American energy production, fisheries and wildlife, public lands, oceans, Native Americans, mining, and water irrigation and reclamation.

"Whether it's tourists visiting our mountains, coastlines, and national parks, our booming agriculture sector's dependence on water to feed their crops, and the needs of all Californians to have clean water to drink and air to breathe, the work of the Natural Resources Committee is vital to my state," said Rep. Torres. "California is also home to more Native Americans than any other state, so I hope to continue the work I started in the California legislature to defend the rights and ensure the well-being of our state's tribal communities."

The Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans has jurisdiction over the nation's water resources, including federal irrigation projects and interstate water issues. The Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs is responsible for matters regarding Native Americans, including land management and ownership, Indian healthcare, and the welfare of the 1.9 million American Indians, as well issues affecting the territories of American Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

"With over 100 federally recognized tribes and our very livelihood dependent on access to water, serving on these subcommittees is an incredible honor and responsibility. Few states have more at stake," Torres continued. "I look forward to being an advocate for the needs of Californians and to working to ensure the preservation and prosperity of our magnificent state."

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