Rep. Neguse Introduces Bipartisan Legislative Package to Improve Water Resilience in the West

Washington, D.C. — Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Colorado River Caucus, Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), introduced a legislative package to address water scarcity across the West. The bills included will extend the authorization of emergency drought relief and increase water measurement and monitoring technologies.

“In Colorado and across the West, too many communities are facing a historic drought crisis. The bipartisan package of bills we have introduced will expand on successful existing programs, bolster drought resiliency, and improve water quality,” said Congressman Neguse. “I look forward to working with our partner in the Bipartisan Colorado River Caucus, Rep. Ciscomani, to get these bills across the finish line so that we can improve the health of communities throughout the country.”

“In Arizona, we have a deep understanding of the importance of water management and at the end of the day, you can’t manage what you can’t measure. These bipartisan efforts extend programs that provide our states with critical water data and drought management tools, allowing us to be the best possible stewards of the resources we have available,” said Rep. Ciscomani. 

The package of bills includes the following:

• The Drought Preparedness Act – The bill would reauthorize the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act through 2028, which allows the Bureau of Reclamation to continue to minimize drought damages and losses and improve water availability for those harmed by drought.
• The Water Monitoring and Tracking Essential Resources (WATER) Data Improvement Act – The bill would reauthorize United States Geological Survey (USGS)  programs for water monitoring, measurement, and estimation including for Streamflow and Groundwater Resources through 2028. 

Last week, the House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries held a hearing on the Drought Preparedness Act. Rep. Neguse testified in favor of his bill, calling for members of the Committee to ensure that the Bureau of Reclamation continues to have both the authorities and funds it needs to carry out these critical programs.  

Background

Congressman Joe Neguse, whose district includes the headwaters of the Colorado River, has been working to address water-related issues, enacting significant bills that invest in drought resilience and water management. In July of last year, he was able to secure passage of his monumental legislative package, the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act, through the House of Representatives.  

Additionally, as founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, Rep. Neguse has formed a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers each representing a state along the Colorado River Basin. The lawmakers are working to build consensus on critical issues plaguing the river and support the work of the Colorado River Basin states on how best to address the worsening levels of drought in the Colorado River Basin. 

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