Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation to assist with water conservation efforts while diversifying economies in regions affected by drought and extreme heat. 

“Extreme weather events and drought have deeply impacted communities around the West, including by altering the way they do business,” said Rep. Titus. “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. The economic stability and public health of the Western United States are essential and require bold action to secure and conserve water supplies.”

“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,” said Rep. Valadao. “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. We must take every step possible, including building more water storage infrastructure, to ensure our Central Valley communities are more resilient to drought.”

"Even with decades of globally recognized water conservation measures, Southern Nevada understands that our economic future is tied to attracting and expanding businesses that are committed to reducing water consumption. Those efforts may create challenging obstacles in the realm of economic development to serve the growing needs of our communities, but it also presents us with opportunities," said Tina Quigley, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. "Last year, LVGEA worked alongside regional partners to support the local water authority’s development of a water investment tool to determine impacts on our water supply with new projects. Moreover, we are grateful to Congresswoman Titus for her leadership in introducing the Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act, which could afford additional support in our region’s economic development efforts here in Southern Nevada to build a sustainable future."

“Congresswoman Dina Titus has always been a strong, successful advocate for smart land-use planning, water conservation and drought response throughout her entire legislative career,” said John Entsminger, SNWA general manager. “This bill will help the desert Southwest further respond to constrained water supplies, extreme heat, and aridification while protecting local economies and enhancing water efficiency in communities impacted by climate change.”

“The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) is proud to support The Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act and we thank Representative Titus for introducing this important legislation,” said Ted Stiger, Chief External Affairs & Policy Officer for RCAP.  “The Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act will we work to address record drought and changing climate conditions throughout the West by leveraging additional resources at the U.S. Economic Development Administration to help local communities and regional economies conserve local water supplies and support the long-term stability and sustainability of the Colorado River Basin.”


Background

Nearly 40 million people across 7 states, 29 federally recognized Indian tribes, and 4 million acres of farmland rely on water from the Colorado River Basin. The river is responsible for contributing $1.4 trillion in annual economic activity and sustaining 16 million jobs within the basin.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Colorado River Basin has experienced a historic, extended drought since 2000. These conditions have severely impacted water supplies and other resources in the region, including hydropower, access to outdoor recreation, and healthy ecosystems. 

In recent years, extreme heat has exacerbated the impacts of the drought, including in Southern Nevada, where every year Lake Mead loses 600,000-acre feet of water due to evaporation. That is twice the State of Nevada’s annual allotment from the Colorado River.

The Public Works and Economic Development Act (PWEDA) of 1965 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 or emergencies, and changes in international trade.

The Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act amends PWEDA to clarify the eligible uses of EAA assistance to include assistance for limiting industrial consumptive water use in areas impacted by decreased water supplies as a result of drought and extreme heat.

The Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act is supported by the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, Southern Nevada Water Authority, and Rural Community Assistance Partnership.

The full bill can be found HERE.