WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01) to introduce the Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act. This bill aims to make additional resources available for regions experiencing adverse economic changes caused by drought and extreme heat.

Drought is a recurring feature of California’s climate, and Rep. Valadao has long worked toward solutions to improve California’s water management and make the Central Valley more resilient to drought conditions. The most recent California drought lasted between 2020-2022, prior to that the state was in a 5-year drought event from 2012-2016.

“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 Congressman 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.” 

“Extreme weather events and drought have deeply impacted communities around the West, including by altering the way they do business,” said Congresswoman 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.”

Background:

Section 209 of 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 Section 209 to clarify the eligible uses of EAA to include assistance for limiting industrial consumptive water use in areas impacted by decreased water supplies as a result of drought and extreme heat. This tool will allow regional economies, especially those in the Central Valley, to diversify and plan for the long term.