The United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (“Committee”) Minority Staff drafted a paper titled A National Policy Framework to Address Drought and Water Security in the United States (“Paper”).
The March 22nd Paper was prepared for the Ranking Member of the Committee United States Senator Maria Cantwell.
The purpose of the Paper is stated to be the fostering of the development of a 21st century “national framework” for addressing drought and water security in the United States.
Referencing the Western United States drought along with record-breaking temperatures, and associated impacts, the Paper outlines a national framework to:
… address water security challenges through the modernization of federal programs to support and finance sustainable, watershed-scale solutions, advance science and technology, and promote local and regional partnerships.
Congress has been asked to develop comprehensive drought legislation and various legislative proposals have been introduced.
The Paper states it “builds on concepts included in existing proposals and incorporates ideas developed through engagement with state, tribal, local, federal, non-profit, academic and other stakeholders.”
The Paper sets out five policy principles:
- Supporting collaborative watershed-scale solutions that are locally-driven.
- Financing solutions through partnerships and streamlined federal funding.
- Using and advancing the best science, technology and tools.
- Advancing sustainable water supply solutions for people and the environment.
- Partnering with Tribal Nations, Arctic and Island Communities.
Click here to download a copy of the Paper.
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