July 31, 2014

On July 31, a group of Democrats from Western states introduced the Water in the 21^st Century Act, which includes a number of programs intent on conserving and managing diminishing water supplies in drought-stricken states. A twin bill was introduced concurrently in the Senate by California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and in the House by Representatives Grace Napolitano (D-CA) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

The bill would establish Drought Resilience Guidelines for state and local agencies and new grant programs for local water system upgrades, as well as regional infrastructure projects. The legislation would also increase funding for data and research and expand the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense program, which promotes water-conserving products, buildings, and landscaping.

The bill is a response to the growing water crisis in Western states as one of most severe droughts on record continues to develop.

Sources: E&E News, Senator Barbara Boxer