The Irrigation Association (IA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for recently passing the Water-Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act. The bill was introduced by Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah).
“Rep. Matheson’s emphasis on the importance of water efficient technologies is much needed in Washington,” said IA Federal Affairs Director John Farner. “We look forward to working with Rep. Matheson and the EPA in highlighting the benefits of using irrigation efficient technologies and services in the landscape through this new research program.”
The Water-Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act passed on a voice vote in the U.S. House on Feb. 11. The bill authorizes $100 million over five years to create a research and development program on water-use efficiency and conservation within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. EPA will then incorporate the findings into buildings (at least one residential and one commercial) that highlight the latest water-use efficiency and conservation technologies and designs. These buildings will be open to the public and used for educational and research purposes.
IA thanked Matheson for his continuing support of EPA’s WaterSense program, as well as promoting water efficiency. IA will work with Matheson and his office to gain support for the bill in the Senate.