Ciscomani, Stansbury Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Binational Water Research Program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01) introduced legislation on Tuesday to reauthorize the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP), a federal program that supports binational research on groundwater security, quantity, and quality in border communities. Full bill text is available here.
“By collaborating with our regional neighbors across state lines and international borders, we are able to expand our understanding of our water resources while strengthening our binational partnership with Mexico.” said Rep. Ciscomani. “This legislation will allow the crucial research between our countries to continue, ultimately benefitting water security in both the United States and Mexico.”
“In New Mexico, we know that water is life,” said Rep. Stansbury. “We also know that water security is not assured. The reauthorization of this program will allow us to continue in taking critical steps to support groundwater research in the Southwest, and ensure the long-term water security of our communities.”
The Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Reauthorization Act (TAAP Act) continues TAAP, which was originally authorized in 2006 by U.S. Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and U.S. Representative Jim Kolbe (R-AZ-05). This program facilitates studies between the U.S. Geological Service (USGS), the University of Arizona, the University of New Mexico, and Texas A&M and universities and agencies in Mexico.
“Water is the lifeblood of communities along the Southwest border,” said Bruce Wright, a member of Ciscomani’s Advisory Council and former member of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. “Water is an essential element of a strong border economy, healthy environment and ecosystem, and high-quality lifestyle. During times of persistent drought and evolving climate change, it is critical that we protect our transborder aquifers and ensure that we have a reliable and safe source of water for the communities along the US-Mexico border. This is important legislation that will fund research by three universities recognized for their expertise in the management of water resources – the University of Arizona, New Mexico State University, and Texas A&M University.”
“Groundwater from aquifers is extremely important to communities along Arizona’s shared border with Sonora, Mexico,” said Dr. Sharon B. Medgal, Director of the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC). “Because groundwater cannot be seen, studies or assessments are needed so that water users have information about groundwater quantity and quality. Continued work on assessing transboundary aquifers through the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program will provide critically important information about the reliability of the groundwater supplies on which border communities depend.”
“NMSU applauds the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP) legislation being introduced by Congresswoman Stansbury of New Mexico and by Congressman Ciscomani of Arizona,” said Dr. Sam Fernald, Director of the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute. “This legislation will be critical for New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute's (WRRI) cutting-edge research on transboundary groundwater and binational collaboration for better groundwater management. NM WRRI is a leader in Transboundary Groundwater Resilience, and this TAAP legislation supports NM WRRI’s efforts to continue to lead the way in sustainable border groundwater. This legislation is vital for NMSU to support programs that improve the long term health of the binational Mesilla-Conejos Medanos aquifer that underpins the local border economy, community, and ecosystem. This work will help NMSU with its distinct research endeavors that serve diverse border communities that rely on groundwater and the emerging border industry that also relies on transboundary groundwater.”
“Groundwater is increasingly the lifeblood of farms and ranches, streams and rivers, and cities and rural communities along the US-Mexico border,” said Kevin Moran, Associate Vice President for Regional Affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund. “It is critical for local leaders and water managers to have the best science, data and tools available to effectively manage this complex and hidden resource. Since 2006, TAAP has furthered scientific research on US-Mexico transboundary aquifers while fostering collaboration between agencies and across borders. Environmental Defense Fund strongly supports the reauthorization of this legislation and believes it will contribute to ensuring water security and a thriving economy for a vital region.”