WASHINGTON, D.C. >> On Tuesday, members of Congress Grace Napolitano (D–Norwalk), John Garamendi (D — Walnut Grove), Lois Capps (D — Santa Barbara) and Jared Huffman (D — San Rafael) joined 22 of their Democratic colleagues to reintroduce House Resolution (H.R.) 291,”W21: Water in the 21st Century,” which provides new incentives and investments to help local water agencies, residents and businesses to conserve, recycle and manage limited water supplies.
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D — California) Tuesday also reintroduced the Senate companion to this bill.
“I am proud to cosponsor the Water in the 21st Century Act, a bill that helps guide our nation toward a more sustainable water future. California”s historic drought has demonstrated the need for expanded science-driven water conservation, recycling and storage initiatives found in this bill and in the overwhelmingly passed Proposition 1. Both provide solutions that work for all 58 counties in California. By investing in smart water policies, the Water in the 21st Century Act would help create millions of acre feet of new water, ensure a reliable water supply and create good jobs,” Garamendi said.
The legislation would expand rebates and grants for water conservation and efficiency; support local investments in water recycling and improved groundwater management and storage; invest in research into water-saving technologies and desalination; and establish an open water data system. The measure would also help local communities take steps to become better prepared for drought.
H.R. 291 is supported by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Western Recycled Water Coalition, WaterNow, the Clean Water Construction Coalition, the Northern California Water Association, the North Bay Water Reuse Authority and the WateReuse Association.
