Regions of the country that have been economically hampered by drought and extreme heat would get federal support to boost their water resources under a bipartisan bill introduced on Jan. 31 by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA).
“California is no stranger to drought, and many of us are all too familiar with the devastating impacts dry years have on our farms, businesses, and communities,” Rep. Valadao said. “We must take every step possible, including building more water storage infrastructure, to ensure our Central Valley communities are more resilient to drought.”
The congressman cosponsored the Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act, H.R. 7178, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) to amend Section 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.
Currently, Sec. 209 provides Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) for regions experiencing adverse economic changes that occur suddenly or over time, including those caused by military base closures, disasters, emergencies, and changes in international trade, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Valadao’s staff.
If enacted, H.R. 7178 would clarify under Sec. 209 that the eligible uses of EAA would include assistance for limiting industrial consumptive water use in areas impacted by decreased water supplies as a result of drought and extreme heat, the summary says.
“The Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act will make additional resources available for our communities to plan for drought conditions and make necessary water efficiency upgrades to conserve water during dry years,” said Rep. Valadao.
Rep. Titus added that extreme weather events and drought have impacted communities around the West, including by altering the way they do business.
“This bill would make water conservation a priority as regions look to diversify their local economies and build resiliency for current and future disruptions, particularly within the Colorado River Basin,” she said. “The economic stability and public health of the Western United States are essential and require bold action to secure and conserve water supplies.”