Graves: Executive order better protects nation’s water quality, availability

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) voiced support this week for a new presidential executive order to modernize America’s water infrastructure.

“I commend the administration and the White House Council on Environmental Quality for today’s action to enhance federal agency coordination and integrated planning,” Rep. Graves, ranking member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said on Oct. 14. “Streamlining frequently duplicative regulatory activities and processes will equip our nation to better utilize and protect the quality and availability of this precious natural resource, and better manage it for improved water supply, drought resiliency, flood control, and navigation.”

In addition to the release of the president’s Executive Order on Modernizing America’s Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure, the administration established a Water Subcabinet that encompasses multiple federal departments and agencies, according to information provided by Rep. Graves’ office.

For instance, executive departments and federal agencies that engage in water-related matters, including water storage and supply, water quality and restoration activities, water infrastructure, transportation on rivers and inland waterways, and water forecasting, will work together where they have joint or overlapping responsibilities, according to the order. 

“This order will ensure that agencies do that more efficiently and effectively to improve our country’s water resource management, modernize our water infrastructure, and prioritize the availability of clean, safe, and reliable water supplies,” the document states.

“Our nation’s water resources and clean water are among our most vital resources, and we must ensure that they are effectively managed for the continued health and safety of our communities, businesses, farmland, and environment,” Rep. Graves said.