Volume 155, No. 29 covering the 1st Session of the 111th Congress (2009 - 2010) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION RESEARCH ACT” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E263 on Feb. 12, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION RESEARCH ACT
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speech of
HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 631, the ``Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act.'' H.R. 631 recognizes the need to increase research, development, education, and technology transfer activities related to water use efficiency and conservation technologies and practices at the Environmental Protection Agency. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, the importance of protecting our water resource cannot be overstated. In economic terms, the measurable contribution of water to the economy is difficult to estimate. In environmental terms, water is the lifeblood of the planet. Without a steady supply of clean, fresh water, all life, including human, would cease to exist.
The quantity, quality and economic problems we face as a result of our use of water are complex but, at least one of the causes of these problems is easy to manage--the way we waste water. And, the solution is straight forward--water conservation. Simply stated, water conservation means doing the same with less, by using water more efficiently or reducing, where appropriate, to protect the resource now, and for the future. Using water wisely will reduce pollution and health risks, lower water costs, and extend the useful life of existing supply and waste treatment facilities.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that water utilities will need about $277 billion for infrastructure construction, upgrades, and replacement during the next 20 years. In addition, waste water treatment utilities will need multi-billion dollar infrastructure upgrades and expansions, with much of this investment tied to the volume of water needing treatment. By reducing water consumption through efficiency measures, water and wastewater utilities can delay or reduce infrastructure costs, while reducing environmental impacts.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 631 will allow for the leading authorities to conduct the research on water consumption within major economic sectors. The surveys are highly detailed, carefully constructed to be statistically representative of the entire population, and are indispensable analysis and policy planning. In gauging the success of any water efficiency program, data on consumption, price, and product--
both prior to and after the research program's implementation--are needed to calculate the change in water use, cost, and product purchase tendencies.
Establishing a baseline of consumption and price levels by sector for a variety of end-uses and customer classes will assists policy planners to better identify the highest-value products to target in designing their programs.
Mr. Speaker, at least 31 water efficiency projects in Texas are ready to go and will create jobs and improve clean water supply, according to a quick survey conducted by the Alliance for Water Efficiency. The projects which provide a sample of water efficiency projects across the state include retro-fitting plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems, upgrading water meters, and planting water wise plants and other vegetation to decrease wasteful water use.
I thank my colleague, Rep. Jim Matheson, of Utah, for introducing this important legislation, to ensure that we preserve our planet's most treasured resource, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this H.R. 631.
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