Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz addressed the California water crisis in a speech before the state’s GOP convention on Saturday, calling for less waste of fresh water.
{mosads}”Out-of-control environmental policies: 1.4 trillion gallons of fresh water [are] being dumped into the Pacific Ocean because of a little 3-inch bait fish,” Cruz said, according to the Washington Examiner. “In my experience, 3-inch fish go great with cheese and crackers, but as a result of those policies, 1.4 trillion gallons of water could provide for 6 million Californians for six years.”
“We can have a win-win scenario — protect the environment and protect jobs.”
The Texas senator also acknowledged that many California Republicans feel neglected by the party.
“California is at a crossroads. California is going to decide this Republican primary. Year after year, you all are used to being treated by Republicans like an ATM,” he said. “For any of you who have your checkbooks handy, I’d be glad for you to prove me wrong.”
At the convention, Cruz was endorsed by former California Gov. Pete Wilson. Most polls show him trailing front-runner Donald Trump by double digits in the state. California, which has 172 delegates up for grabs, holds its primary on June 7.