The Irrigation Association participated in the inaugural Water Caucus briefing on Capitol Hill on June 11. Thirty-five congressional staff members attended the event, which included presentations by Andy Smith, IA’s external affairs director, and caucus co-chairs, Congressmen John Linder (R-Ga.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and George Radanovich (R-Calif.).
Smith’s one-hour presentation addressed national water issues, drought and the importance of water management.
"It’s time the United States confronts the brutal facts about the severity of water issues in this country," said Smith. "We need to recognize that, without protecting this resource, there is no tomorrow."
Caucus co-chairs echoed Smith’s sentiments, stressing the importance of managing this precious resource. As Congressman Linder noted, "Water is ... more important than oil."
The briefing allowed members and staff to learn about water issues in agriculture, irrigation and landscape; how the Caucus and congress can ensure an increase in efficiencies and reduce waste; and what the public can do about the pending water crisis. The next briefing in the series will be held July 9 and will feature the Ground Water Protection Council and Environmental Protection Agency.
The establishment of a Congressional Water Caucus has allowed members of Congress committed to the goals of promoting dialogue about our nation’s water issues to have a meaningful educational venue and forum about how best to realize those goals. The Congressional Water Caucus aims to provide timely, scientific information and dialogue about water resources and water use.
Originally founded in 1949, IA includes over 2,000 corporate and individual members and is dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation. For more information, visit www.irrigation.org.
