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WASHINGTON, DC, Apr. 23, 2009 -- The House of Representatives passed H.R.
1145, the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act, by a vote
of 413 to 10. The bill is intended to coordinate national research and
development efforts on water and provide a clear path forward to ensure
adequate water supplies for generations to come.
More information on H.R. 1145, the National Water Research and Development
Initiative Act
"In tough economic times, it is imperative that we use every dollar we
spend efficiently. This bill will ensure that we have a clear water strategy
that uses federal research and development dollars efficiently and
eliminates redundant programs," said bill author and Science and Technology
Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN). "Coordination of federal agency
activities and a stronger partnership with state, local and tribal
governments will ensure that federal programs are focused on areas of
greatest concern, and that our efforts are complementary and effective."
Water supply problems have substantial economic impacts, resulting in
potential job losses and increased costs to businesses and families.
According to a 2000 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, each of the eight water shortages over the past 20 years
from drought and heat waves resulted in $1 billion or more in monetary
losses. The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) reported in Apr.
2008 that California is now losing income and jobs due to the state's water
supply crisis.
"Forty states expect to experience significant water shortages by 2013.
Severe water shortages create substantial economic impacts, and we need a
new federal commitment to ensure that the United States can meet the water
challenges of the future," said Gordon.
Over twenty federal agencies carry out research and development on some
aspect of water supply, water quality or water management. An increase in
the number of water shortages and emerging conflicts over water supplies
suggest that the U.S. is still inadequately prepared to address the nation's
water management issues.
The bill requires the president to establish or designate an interagency
committee with representation from all federal agencies dealing with water
to implement a National Water Research and Development Initiative to improve
federal activities on water, including research, development, demonstration,
data collection and dissemination, education, and technology transfer.
The interagency committee would be charged with developing a plan to
accomplish the following research outcomes: the implementation of a national
water census, the development of new water technologies and techniques, the
development of tools to facilitate water resource conflicts, the development
of information technology systems to enhance water quality and supply, the
improvement of hydrologic prediction models, an enhanced understanding
related to ecosystem services, and an analyses of the energy-water nexus.
In an effort to provide technical and administrative support, the bill
creates a National Water Initiative Coordination Office. The Office would
disseminate information to the public and serve as a point of contact for
the Initiative.
Visit the Committee's
website
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