Texas Border Business
US Chamber of Commerce
Western states remain gripped by an ongoing drought, the driest 22-year period in the last 1,200 years. Water supplies are at critically low levels.
Why it matters: Water scarcity will affect drinking water access and agriculture. Water is also a critical input for many industries, from manufacturing to mining, explains Grant Baker, Chamber Associate Manager for State and Local Policy.
Be smart: There are significant federal resources available to states and localities to help:
· The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided $8.3 billion in funding for water resilience for Western states and communities.
· Many states also have ample American Rescue Plan Act funds available.
And: President Biden should declare a federal disaster to free up further federal emergency resources for drought-stricken states.
Bottom line: Policymakers at all levels of government must help build greater water resiliency to address this challenge.
