S 2156 IS

To authorize and facilitate the improvement of water management by the Bureau of Reclamation, to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to increase the acquisition and analysis of water-related data to assess the long-term availability of water resources for irrigation, hydroelectric power, municipal, and environmental uses, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

October 4, 2007CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Mr. DOMENICI, Ms. CANTWELL, and Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. SALAZAR, and Mr. TESTER) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To authorize and facilitate the improvement of water management by the Bureau of Reclamation, to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to increase the acquisition and analysis of water-related data to assess the long-term availability of water resources for irrigation, hydroelectric power, municipal, and environmental uses, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `‘Science and Engineering to Comprehensively Understand and Responsibly Enhance Water Act' or the `’ or the ‘SECURE Water Act'’. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents of this Act is as follows: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Findings. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 3. Definitions. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 4. Climate change adaptation program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 5. Water management improvement. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 6. Hydroelectric power assessment. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 7. Climate change and water intragovernmental panel. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 8. Water data enhancement by United States Geological Survey. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 9. Water use and availabilityNational water availability and use assessment program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 10. Research agreement authority. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 11. Effect. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds that-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) adequate and safe supplies of water are fundamental to the health, economy, security, and ecology of the United States; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) systematic data-gathering with respect to, and research and development of, the water resources of the United States will help ensure the continued existence of sufficient quantities of water to support-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) increasing populations; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) economic growth; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) irrigated agriculture; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) energy production; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) the protection of aquatic ecosystems; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) global climate change poses a significant challenge to the protection and use of the water resources of the United States due to an increased uncertainty with respect to the timing, form, and geographical distribution of precipitation, which may have a substantial effect on the supplies of water for agricultural, hydroelectric power, industrial, domestic supply, and environmental needs; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) although States bear the primary responsibility and authority for managing the water resources of the United States, the Federal Government should support the States, as well as regional, local, and tribal governments, by carrying out-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) nationwide data collection and monitoring activities; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) relevant research; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) activities to increase the efficiency of the use of water in the United States; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Federal agencies that conduct water management and related activities have a responsibility-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to take a lead role in assessing risks to the water resources of the United States (including risks posed by global climate change); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to develop strategies-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to mitigate the potential impacts of each risk described in subparagraph (A); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to help ensure that the long-term water resources management of the United States is sustainable and will ensure sustainable quantities of water; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) it is critical to continue and expand research and monitoring efforts-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to improve the understanding of the variability of the water cycle; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to provide basic information necessary-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to manage and efficiently use the water resources of the United States; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to identify new supplies of water that are capable of being reclaimed; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) the study of water use is vital-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to the understanding of the impacts of human activity on water and ecological resources; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to the assessment of whether available surface and groundwater supplies will be available to meet the future needs of the United States. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act: CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ADMINISTRATOR- The term `Administrator' means the ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ADVISORY COMMITTEE- The term `Advisory Committee'‘Advisory Committee’ means the National Advisory Committee on Water Information established-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) under the Office of Management and Budget Circular 92-01; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to coordinate water data collection activities. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) ASSESSMENT PROGRAM- The term `assessment program'‘assessment program’ means the water availability and use assessment program established by the Secretary under section 9(a). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) CLIMATE DIVISION- The term `climate division'‘climate division’ means 1 of the 359 divisions in the United States that represents 2 or more regions located within a State that are as climatically homogeneous as possible, as determined by the Administrator. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) COMMISSIONER- The term `Commissioner'‘Commissioner’ means the Commissioner of Reclamation. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) DIRECTOR- The term `Director'‘Director’ means the Director of the United States Geological Survey. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT- The term `eligible applicant'‘eligible applicant’ means any State, Indian tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATION- The term `‘Federal Power Marketing Administration'’ means-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Bonneville Power Administration; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Southeastern Power Administration; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the Southwestern Power Administration; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the Western Area Power Administration. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) HYDROLOGIC ACCOUNTING UNIT- The term `‘hydrologic accounting unit'’ means 1 of the 352 river basin hydrologic accounting units used by the United States Geological Survey. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) INDIAN TRIBE- The term `Indian tribe'‘Indian tribe’ has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) MAJOR AQUIFER SYSTEM- The term `‘major aquifer system'’ means a groundwater system that is-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) identified as a significant groundwater system by the Director; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) included in the Groundwater Atlas of the United States, published by the United States Geological Survey. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) MAJOR RECLAMATION RIVER BASIN- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- The term `‘major reclamation river basin'’ means each major river system (including tributaries)-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) that is located in a service area of the Bureau of Reclamation; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) at which is located a federally authorized project of the Bureau of Reclamation. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) INCLUSIONS- The term `‘major reclamation river basin'’ includes-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the Colorado River; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the Columbia River; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) the Klamath River; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) the Missouri River; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) the Rio Grande; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vi) the Sacramento River; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vii) the San Joaquin River; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(viii) the Truckee River. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) NON-FEDERAL PARTICIPANT- The term `‘non-Federal participant'’ means-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a State, regional, or local authority; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) an Indian tribe or tribal organization; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) any other qualifying entity, such as a water conservation district, water conservancy district, or rural water district or association, or a nongovernmental organization. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) PANEL- The term `panel' means the climate ‘panel’ means the climate change and water intragovernmental panel established by the Secretary under section 7(a). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) PROGRAM- The term `program'‘program’ means the regional integrated sciences and assessments program-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) established by the Administrator; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) that is comprised of 8 regional programs that use advances in integrated climate sciences to assist decisionmaking processes. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(16) SECRETARY- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term `Secretary'‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Interior. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) EXCEPTIONS- The term `Secretary'‘Secretary’ means-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) in the case of section 4s 4, 5, and 10, the Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Commissioner); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) in the case of sections 8 and 9, the Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Director). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(17) SERVICE AREA- The term `service area'‘service area’ means any area that encompasses a watershed that contains a federally authorized reclamation project that is located in any State or area described in the first section of the Act of June 17, 1902 (43 U.S.C. 391). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION PROGRAM.

(a) In General- The Secretary shall establish a climate change adaptation program-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to assess each effect of, and risk resulting from, global climate change with respect to the quantity of water resources located in a service area; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that strategies are developed at watershed and aquifer system scales to address potential water shortages, conflicts, and other impacts to water users located at, and the environment of, each service area. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Required Elements- In carrying out the program described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) consult with the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the program, and each appropriate State water resource agency, to ensure that the Secretary has access to the best available scientific information with respect to presently observed and projected future impacts of global climate change on water resources; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) assess specific risks to the water supply of each major reclamation river basin, including any risk relating to-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a change in snowpack; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the timing of runoff; and(Cchanges in the timing and quantity of runoff; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) changes in groundwater recharge and discharge; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) any increase in-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the demand for water as a result of increasing temperatures; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the rate of reservoir evaporation; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) with respect to each major reclamation river basin, analyze the extent to which changes in the water supply of the United States will impact-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the ability of the Secretary to deliver water to the contractors of the Secretary; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) hydroelectric power generation facilities; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) recreation at reclamation facilities; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) fish and wildlife habitat; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) applicable species listed as an endangered, threatened, or candidate species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and(F) water quality issues (including salinity levels of each major reclamation river basin); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) flow and water dependent ecological resiliency; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(H) flood control management; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) in consultation with appropriate non-Federal participants, consider and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate each impact of water supply changes analyzed by the Secretary under paragraph (3), including strategies relating to-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the modification of any reservoir storage or operating guideline in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the development of new water management, operating, or habitat restoration plans; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) water conservation; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) improved hydrologic models and other decision support systems; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) groundwater and surface water storage needs; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) in consultation with the Director, the Administrator, the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service), and applicable State water resource agencies, develop a monitoring plan to acquire and maintain water resources data-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to strengthen the understanding of water supply trends; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to assist in each assessment and analysis conducted by the Secretary under paragraphs (2) and (3). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Reporting- Not later than 1 year2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) each effect of, and risk resulting from, global climate change with respect to the quantity of water resources located in each major reclamation river basin; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the impact of global climate change with respect to the operations of the Secretary in each major reclamation river basin; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) each mitigation and adaptation strategy considered and implemented by the Secretary to address each effect of global climate change described in paragraph (1); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) each coordination activity conducted by the Secretary with-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Director; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Administrator; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service); or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) any appropriate State water resource agency; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) the implementation by the Secretary of the monitoring plan developed under subsection (b)(5). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Feasibility Studies- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY- The Secretary, in cooperation with any non-Federal participant, may conduct 1 or more studies to determine the feasibility and impact on ecological resiliency of implementing each mitigation and adaptation strategy described in subsection (c)(3), including the construction of any water supply, water management, environmental, or habitat enhancement water infrastructure that the Secretary determines to be necessary to address the effects of global climate change on water resources located in each major reclamation river basin. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) COST SHARING- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) FEDERAL SHARE- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in clause (ii), the Federal share of the cost of a study described in paragraph (1) shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the study. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) EXCEPTION RELATING TO FINANCIAL HARDSHIP- The Secretary may increase the Federal share of the cost of a study described in paragraph (1) to exceed 50 percent of the cost of the study if the Secretary determines that, due to a financial hardship, the non-Federal participant of the study is unable to contribute an amount equal to 50 percent of the cost of the study. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) NON-FEDERAL SHARE- The non-Federal share of the cost of a study described in paragraph (1) may be provided in the form of any in-kind services that substantially contribute toward the completion of the study, as determined by the Secretary. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) No Effect on Existing Authority- Nothing in this section amends or otherwise affects any existing authority under reclamation laws that govern the operation of any Federal reclamation project. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 20229 through 2023, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. WATER MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT.

(a) Authorization of Grants and Cooperative Agreements- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY- The Secretary may provide any grant to, or enter into any cooperative agreement with, any eligible applicant to assist the eligible applicant in planning, designing, or constructing any improvement-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to conserve water; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to increase water use efficiency; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) to facilitate water markets; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) to enhance water management; or(E, including increasing the use of renewable energy in the management and delivery of water; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) to accelerate the adoption and use of advanced water treatment technologies to increase water supply; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) to prevent the decline of species that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service have proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (or candidate species that are being considered by those agencies for such listing but are not yet the subject of a proposed rule); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) to accelerate the recovery of threatened species, endangered species, and designated critical habitats that are adversely affected by Federal reclamation projects or are subject to a recovery plan or conservation plan under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) under which the Commissioner of Reclamation has implementation responsibilities; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(H) to carry out any other activity-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to address any climate-related impact to the water supply of the United States that increases ecological resiliency to the impacts of climate change; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to prevent any water-related crisis or conflict at any watershed that has a nexus to a Federal reclamation project located in a service area. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) APPLICATION- To be eligible to receive a grant, or enter into a cooperativen agreement with the Secretary under paragraph (1), an eligible applicant shall submit to the Secretary an-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) be located within the States and areas referred to in the first section of the Act of June 17, 1902 (43 U.S.C. 391); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) submit to the Secretary an application that includes a proposal of the improvement or activity to be planned, designed, constructed, or implemented by the eligible applicant. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) REQUIREMENTS OF GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS- Each grant and cooperative agreement entered into by the Secretary with any eligible applicant under paragraph (1) shall be in compliance with each requirement described in subparagraphs (B) through (F). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS OR ACTIVITIES RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS- In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not provide a grant to, or enter into a cooperative agreement with, an eligible applicant to provide financial assistance, or enter into an agreement, for an improvement to conserve water with respect to an agricultural operation unless the Secretary first determines that the improvement will result in a net savings in groundwater or surface water resourcesirrigation water unless the eligible applicant agrees not-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage of the eligible applicant; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to otherwise increase the consumptive use of water in the agricultural operation of the eligible applicant, as determined pursuant to the law of the State in which the operation of the eligible applicant is located. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) NONREIMBURSABLE FUNDS- Any funds provided by the Secretary to an eligible applicant through a grant or cooperative agreement under paragraph (1) shall be nonreimbursable. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) TITLE TO IMPROVEMENTS- If an infrastructure improvement to a facility under the jurisdiction of a Federal agencederally owned facility is the subject of a grant or a cooperativeother agreement entered into between the Secretary and an eligible applicant under paragraph (1), the Federal Government shall continue to hold title to the improvement offacility and improvements to the facility. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) COST SHARING- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the cost of any infrastructure improvement or activity that is the subject of a grant or a cooperativeother agreement entered into between the Secretary and an eligible applicant under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the infrastructure improvement or activity. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) CALCULATION OF NON-FEDERAL SHARE- In calculating the non-Federal share of the cost of an infrastructure improvement or activity proposed by an eligible applicant through an application submitted by the eligible applicant under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) consider the value of any in-kind services that substantially contributes toward the completion of the improvement or activity, as determined by the Secretary; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) not consider any other amount that the eligible applicant receives from a Federal agency. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) MAXIMUM AMOUNT- The amount provided to an eligible applicant through a grant or cooperativeother agreement under paragraph (1) shall be not more than $5,000,000. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS- The non-Federal share of the cost of operating and maintaining any infrastructure improvement that is the subject of a grant or a cooperativeother agreement entered into between the Secretary and an eligible applicant under paragraph (1) shall be 100 percent. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) LIABILITY- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in clause (ii), the United States shallunder chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘Federal Tort Claims Act’), the United States shall not be liable for monetary damages of any kind for any injury arising out of an act, omission, or occurrence that arises in relation to any facility created or improved under this section, the title of which is not held by the United States. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) EXCEPTION- Clause (i) shall not apply to liability for monetary damages resulting from an injury caused by any act of negligence committed by the United States (or by any officer, employee, or agent of the United States) that arises in relation to any facility created or improved under this section, the title of which is not held by the United States.(iii) TORT CLAIMS ACT- Nothing in this section increases the liability of the United States beyond that provided in chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘Federal Tort Claims Act’). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Research Agreements- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY- The Secretary may enter into 1 or more cooperative agreements with any university, nonprofit research institution, or organization with water or power delivery authority to fund any research activity that is designed-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to conserve water resources; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to increase the efficiency of the use of water resources; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) to enhance the management of water resources.(2), including increasing the use of renewable energy in the management and delivery of water. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SECRETARY- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





A cooperative(A) IN GENERAL- An agreement entered into between the Secretary and any university, institution, or organization described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c)B) AVAILABILITY- The agreements under this subsection shall be available to all Reclamation projects and programs that may benefit from project-specific or programmatic cooperative research and development. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Mutual Benefit- Grants or cooperativeother agreements made under this section may be for the mutual benefit of the United States and the entity that is provided the grant or enters into the cooperative agreement. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Relationship to Project-Specific Authority- This section shall not supersede any existing project-specific funding authority. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1200,000,000, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. HYDROELECTRIC POWER ASSESSMENT.

(a) Duty of Secretary of Energy- The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Administrator of each Federal Power Marketing Administration, shall assess each effect of, and risk resulting from, global climate change with respect to water supplies that are required for the generation of hydroelectric power at each Federal water project that is applicable to a Federal Power Marketing Administration. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Access to Appropriate Data- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- In carrying out each assessment under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall consult with the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the program, and each appropriate State water resource agency, to ensure that the Secretary of Energy has access to the best available scientific information with respect to presently observed impacts and projected future impacts of global climate change on water supplies that are used to produce hydroelectric power. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ACCESS TO DATA FOR CERTAIN ASSESSMENTS- In carrying out each assessment under subsection (a), with respect to the Bonneville Power Administration and the Western Area Power Administration, the Secretary of Energy shall consult with the Commissioner to access data and other information that-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) is collected by the Commissioner; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Secretary of Energy determines to be necessary for the conduct of the assessment. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Report- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) each effect of, and risk resulting from, global climate change with respect to-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) water supplies used for hydroelectric power generation; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) power supplies marketed by each Federal Power Marketing Administration, pursuant to-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) long-term power contracts; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) contingent capacity contracts; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) short-term sales; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) each recommendation of the Administrator of each Federal Power Marketing Administration relating to any change in any operation or contracting practice of each Federal Power Marketing Administration to address each effect and risk described in paragraph (1), including the use of purchased power to meet long-term commitments of each Federal Power Marketing Administration. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Costs Nonreimbursable- Any costs incurred by the Secretary of Energy in carrying out this section shall be nonreimbursable. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2008 through 20229 through 2023, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER INTRAGOVERNMENTAL PANEL.

(a) Establishment- The Secretary shall establish and lead a climate change and water intragovernmental panel-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to review the current scientific understanding of each impact of global climate change on the quantity and quality of water resources of the United States; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to develop any strategy that the panel determines to be necessary to improve observational capabilities and, expand data acquisition, or take other actions-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to increase the reliability and accuracy of modeling and prediction systems to benefit water managers at the Federal, State, and local levels; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to increase the understanding of the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Membership- The panel shall be comprised of-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the Secretary; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the Director; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the Administrator; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) the Commissioner; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and(6) the Chief of Engineers; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) the Secretary of Energy. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Review Elements- In conducting the review and developing the strategy under subsection (a), the panel shall consult with State water resource agencies, the Advisory Committee, drinking water utilities, water research organizations, and relevant water user, environmental, and other nongovernmental organizations-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to assess the extent to which the conduct of measures of streamflow, groundwater levels, soil moisture, evapotranspiration rates, evaporation rates, snowpack levels, precipitation amounts, flood risk, and glacier mass is necessary to improve the understanding of the Federal Government and the States with respect to each impact of global climate change on water resources; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to identify data gaps in current water monitoring networks that must be addressed to improve the capability of the Federal Government and the States to measure, analyze, and predict changes to water resourcesthe quality and quantity of water resources, including flood risks, that are directly or indirectly affected by global climate change; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) to establish data management and communication protocols and standards to increase the quality and efficiency by which each Federal agency acquires and reports relevant data; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) to consider options for the establishment of a data portal to enhance access to water resource data-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) relating to each nationally significant watershed and aquifer located in the United States; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) that is collected by each Federal agency and any other public or private entity for each nationally significant watershed and aquifer located in the United States; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) to expand, and integrate each initiative of the panel with, to the maximum extent possible, any interagency initiative in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act, including-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the national integrated drought information system of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and(B) the advanced hydrologic prediction service of the National Weather Service; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the National Water Information System of the United States Geological Survey; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the Hydrologic Information System of the Consortium of Universities for the Advancements of Hydrologic Sciences; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) to facilitate the development of hydrologic and other models to integrate data that reflects groundwater and surface water interactions; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) to apply the hydrologic and other models developed under paragraph (6) to water resource management problems identified by the panel, including the need to maintain or improve ecological resiliency at watershed and aquifer system scales; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) to consider the need for, and the development of,facilitate the development of mechanisms to effectively combine global climate models,and regional climate models, and hydrologic with hydrologic and ecological models to produce water resource information to assist water managers at the Federal, State, and local levels in the development of adaptation strategies that can be incorporated into long-term water management and flood-hazard mitigation decisions. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Report- Not later than 1 year2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes the review conducted, and the strategy developed, by the panel under subsection (a). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Demonstration, Research, and Methodology Development Projects- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY- The Secretary, in consultation with the panel and the Advisory Committee, may provide grants to, or enter into any contract, cooperative agreement, interagency agreement, or other transaction with, an appropriate entity to carry out any demonstration, research, or methodology development project that the Secretary determines to be necessary to assist in the implementation of the strategy developed by the panel under subsection (a)(2). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REQUIREMENTS- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the cost of any demonstration, research, or methodology development project that is the subject of any grant, contract, cooperative agreement, interagency agreement, or other transaction entered into between the Secretary and an appropriate entity under paragraph (1) shall not exceed $1,000,000. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) REPORT- An appropriate entity that receives funds from a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, interagency agreement, or other transaction entered into between the Secretary and the appropriate entity under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary a report describing the results of the demonstration, research, or methodology development project conducted by the appropriate entity. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Authorization of Appropriations- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsections (a) through (d) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 20099 through 2011, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) DEMONSTRATION, RESEARCH, AND METHODOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (e) $10,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 20129 through 2013, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 8. WATER DATA ENHANCEMENT BY UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

(a) National Streamflow Information Program- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall conduct a review of the national , in consultation with the Advisory Committee and consistent with this section, shall proceed with implementation of the national streamflow information program, including a review of--(A) each Federal objective with respect to the establishment of a national streamgaging network; and(B) each geographic information-based method that the Secretary used to select sites to achieve each objective reviewed under subparagraph (A)as reviewed by the National Research Council in 2004. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REQUIREMENTS- In conducting the national streamflow information program, the Secretary shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) measure streamflow and related environmental variables in nationally significant watersheds-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) in a reliable and continuous manner; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to develop a comprehensive source of information on which public and private decisions relating to the management of water resources may be based; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) provide for a better understanding of hydrologic extremes (including floods and droughts) through the conduct of intensive data collection activities during and following hydrologic extremes; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) establish a base network that provides resources that are necessary for-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the monitoring of long-term changes in streamflow; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the conduct of assessments to determine the extent to which each long-term change monitored under clause (i) is related to global climate change; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) integrate the national streamflow information program with data collection activities of Federal agencies and appropriate State water resource agencies (including the national drought information system)-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to enhance the comprehensive understanding of water availability; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to improve flood-hazard assessments; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) to identify any data gap with respect to water resources; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iiiv) to improve hydrologic forecasting; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) incorporate principles of adaptive management in the conduct of periodic reviews of information collected under the national streamflow information program to assess whether the objectives of the national streamflow information program are being adequately addressed. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) IMPROVED METHODOLOGIES- The Secretary shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) improve methodologies relating to the analysis and delivery of data; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) investigate, develop, and implement new methodologies and technologies to estimate or measure streamflow in a more cost-efficient manner. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) MEASUREMENT GOALNETWORK ENHANCEMENT- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) increase the number of sites measured undertreamgages funded by the national streamflow information program to a quantity of not less than 4,700 sites; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) ensure all streamgages are flood-hardened and equipped with water-quality sensors and modernized telemetry. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) REQUIREMENTS OF SITES- Each site described in subparagraph (A) shall be--(i) located in a nationally significant watershed, as determined by the Secretary; and(ii) measured by a streamgage or any other effective means implemented by the Secretary.(5)conform with the National Streamflow Information Program plan as reviewed by the National Research Council. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the national streamgaging network established pursuant to this subsection shall be 100 percent of the cost of carrying out the national streamgaging network. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsectionoperate the national streamflow information program for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 20229 through 2023, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) ACHIEVEMENT OF MEASUREMENT GOALNETWORK ENHANCEMENT FUNDING- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the network enhancements described in paragraph (4) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 201810,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2019, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) National Groundwater Resources Monitoring- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall develop a systematic groundwater monitoring program for each major aquifer system located in the United States. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PROGRAM ELEMENTS- In developing the monitoring program described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) establish appropriate criteria for monitoring wells to ensure the acquisition of long-term, high-quality data sets, including, to the maximum extent possible, the inclusion of real-time instrumentation and reporting; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in coordination with the Advisory Committee and State and local water resource agencies-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) assess the current scope of groundwater monitoring based on the access availability and capability of each monitoring well in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) develop and carry out a monitoring plan that maximizes coverage for each major aquifer system that is located in the United States; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) prior to initiating any specific monitoring activities within a State after the date of enactment of this Act, consult and coordinate with the applicable State water resource agency with jurisdiction over the aquifer that is the subject of the monitoring activities, and comply with all applicable laws (including regulations) of the State. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) PROGRAM OBJECTIVES- In carrying out the monitoring program described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) provide data that is necessary for the improvement of understanding with respect to surface water and groundwater interactions; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by expanding the network of monitoring wells to reach each climate division, support the groundwater climate response network to improve the understanding of the effects of global climate change on groundwater recharge and availability; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) support the objectives of the assessment program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) IMPROVED METHODOLOGIES- The Secretary shall-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) improve methodologies relating to the analysis and delivery of data; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) investigate, develop, and implement new methodologies and technologies to estimate or measure groundwater recharge, discharge, and storage in a more cost-efficient manner. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the monitoring program described in paragraph (1) may be 100 percent of the cost of carrying out the monitoring program. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) PRIORITY- In selecting monitoring activities consistent with the monitoring program described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to those activities for which a State or local governmental entity agrees to provide for a substantial share of the cost of establishing or operating a monitoring well or other measuring device to carry out a monitoring activity. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 20229 through 2023, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Brackish Groundwater Assessment- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) STUDY- The Secretary, in consultation with State and local water resource agencies, shall conduct a study of available data and other relevant information-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to identify significant brackish groundwater resources located in the United States; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to consolidate any available data relating to each groundwater resource identified under subparagraph (A). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORT- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a description of each-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) significant brackish aquifer that is located in the United States (including 1 or more maps of each significant brackish aquifer that is located in the United States); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) data gap that is required to be addressed to fully characterize each brackish aquifer described in clause (i); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) current use of brackish groundwater that is supplied by each brackish aquifer described in clause (i); and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a summary of the information available as of the date of enactment of this Act with respect to each brackish aquifer described in subparagraph (A)(i) (including the known level of total dissolved solids in each brackish aquifer). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $3,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 20099 through 2011, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Improved Water Estimation, Measurement, and Monitoring Technologies- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY- The Secretary may provide grants on a nonreimbursable basis to appropriate entities with expertise in water resource data acquisition and reporting--(A) to, including Federal agencies, the Water Resources Research Institutes and other academic institutions, and private entities, to-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) investigate, develop, and implement new methodologies and technologies to estimate or measure water resources data in a cost-efficient manner; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to improve methodologies relating to the analysis and delivery of data. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PRIORITY- In providing grants to appropriate entities under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to appropriate entities that propose the development of new methods and technologies for-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) predicting and measuring streamflows; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) estimating changes in the storage of groundwater; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) improving data standards and methods of analysis (including the validation of data entered into geographic information system databases); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) measuring precipitation and potential evapotranspiration;(E) developing descriptive and predictive models that take into account groundwater and surface water; and(F and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) water withdrawals, return flows, and consumptive use. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) COST SHARING-(A) FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the cost of the development of any new method or technology that is the subject of a grant under this subsection shall not exceed the lesser of--(i) 50 percent of the cost of the development of the new method or technology; or(ii) $500,000.(B) NON-FEDERAL SHARE- The non-Federal share of the cost of the development of any new method or technology that is the subject of a grant under this subsection may be provided in the form of any in-kind services that substantially contribute toward the development of any new method or technology, as determined by the Secretary.(C) OTHER FEDERAL ASSISTANCE- Assistance under this subsection may be in addition to assistance provided by the Federal Government pursuant to other provisions of law.(4) PARTNERSHIPS- In recognition of the value of collaboration to foster innovation and enhance research and development efforts, the Secretary shall encourage partnerships, including public-private partnerships, between and among Federal agencies, academic institutions, and private entities to promote the objectives described in paragraph (1). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 20189 through 2019. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 9. NATIONAL WATER USE AND AVAILABILITY AND USE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.

(a) Establishment- The Secretary, in coordination with the Advisory Committee and State and local water resource agencies, shall establish an assessment program to be known as the `water availability and use assessment program' national assessment program to be known as the ‘national water availability and use assessment program’-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to provide a more accurate assessment of the status of the water resources of the United States; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to assist in the determination of the quantity of water that is available for beneficial uses; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) to assist in the determination of the quality of the water resources of the United States; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) to identify long-term trends in water availability; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(45) to use each long-term trend described in paragraph (34) to provide a more accurate assessment of the change in the availability of water in the United States; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(56) to develop the basis for an improved ability to forecast the availability of water for future economic, energy production, and environmental uses. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Program Elements- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) WATER USE- In carrying out the assessment program, the Secretary shall conduct any appropriate activity to carry out an ongoing assessment of water use in hydrologic accounting units and major aquifer systems located in the United States, including-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the maintenance of a comprehensive national water use inventory to enhance the level of understanding with respect to the effects of spatial and temporal patterns of water use on the availability and sustainable use of water resources; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the incorporation of water use science principles, with an emphasis on applied research and statistical estimation techniques in the assessment of water use; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the integration of any dataset maintained by any other Federal or State agency into the dataset maintained by the Secretary; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) a focus on the scientific integration of any data relating to water use, water flow, or water quality to generate relevant information relating to the impact of human activity on water and ecological resources. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) WATER AVAILABILITY- In carrying out the assessment program, the Secretary shall conduct an ongoing assessment of water availability by-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) developing and evaluating nationally consistent indicators that reflect each status and trend relating to the availability of water resources in the United States, including-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) surface water indicators, such as streamflow and surface water storage measures (including lakes, reservoirs, perennial snowfields, and glaciers); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) groundwater indicators, including groundwater level measurements and changes in groundwater levels due to-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) natural recharge; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) withdrawals; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(III) saltwater intrusion; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(IV) mine dewatering; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(V) land drainage; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(VI) artificial recharge; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(VII) other relevant factors, as determined by the Secretary; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) impaired surface water and groundwater supplies that are known, accessible, and used to meet ongoing water demands; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and(B) maintaining a national database of water availability data that-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) is comprised of maps, reports, and other forms of interpreted data; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) provides electronic access to the archived data of the national database; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) provides for real-time data collection; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) developing and applying predictive modeling tools that integrate groundwater, surface water, and ecological systems. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Grant Program- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY- The Secretary may provide grants to State water resource agencies to assist State water resource agencies in-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) developing water use and availability datasets that are integrated with each appropriate dataset developed or maintained by the Secretary; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) integrating any water use or water availability dataset of the State water resource agency into each appropriate dataset developed or maintained by the Secretary. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CRITERIA- To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (1), a State water resource agency shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the water use and availability dataset proposed to be established or integrated by the State water resource agency-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) is in compliance with each quality and conformity standard established by the Secretary to ensure that the data will be capable of integration with any national dataset; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) will enhance the ability of the officials of the State ofr the State water resource agency to carry out each water management and regulatory responsibility of the officials of the State in accordance with each applicable the law of the State. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) MAXIMUM AMOUNT- The amount of a grant provided to a State water resource agency under paragraph (1) shall be an amount not more than $250,000. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Report- Not later than January 1, 2010December 31, 2012, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that provides a detailed assessment of-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the current availability of water resources in the United States, including-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) historic trends and annual updates of river basin inflows and outflows; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) surface water storage; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) groundwater reserves; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) estimates of undeveloped potential resources (including saline and brackish water and wastewater); CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) significant trends affecting water availability, including each documented or projected impact to the availability of water as a result of global climate change; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the withdrawal and use of surface water and groundwater by various sectors, including-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the agricultural sector; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) municipalities; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the industrial sector; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) thermoelectric power generators; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) hydroelectric power generators; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) significant trends relating to each water use sector, including significant changes in water use due to the development of new energy supplies; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) significant water use conflicts or shortages that have occurred, or are likely to occur or are occurring; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) each factor that has caused, or will likely causeis causing, a conflict or shortage described in paragraph (5). CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Authorization of Appropriations- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsections (a), (b), and (d) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 20229 through 2023, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) GRANT PROGRAM- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (c) $12,500,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 20129 through 2013, to remain available until expended. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 10. RESEARCH AGREEMENT AUTHORITY.

SEC. 11. EFFECT.

(a) In General- Nothing in this Act supersedes or limits any existing authority provided, or responsibility conferred, by any provision of law. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effect on State Water Law- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Nothing in this Act preempts or affects any-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) State water law; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) interstate compact governing water. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) COMPLIANCE REQUIRED- The Secretary shall comply with applicable State water laws in carrying out this Act. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink