[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 15, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WATER RESOURCES IN NEW MEXICO

  (Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico asked and was given 
permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend 
her remarks.)
  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, in Western 
States like New Mexico, where we continue to endure severe drought, it 
has become clear that water is a resource that can no longer be taken 
for granted.
  Instead, we must recognize just how essential it is for households, 
for businesses, for the environment, for jobs, for life, and we must 
rise to the challenge because New Mexico can and should be the next 
innovation hub for water management technology.
  New Mexico is reported to have approximately 15.4 billion acre feet 
of brackish water. That is enough to sustain 3 million people for 300 
years.
  Our communities could greatly benefit from investments in 
desalination technology, which would create a new water supply for our 
municipalities, businesses and industry, while also leading to more 
jobs and more economic development.
  Mr. Speaker, we must continue investing in water technology 
initiatives, not only to better manage existing water resources but to 
unlock alternative water resources.
  I eagerly anticipate the input from my constituents and colleagues as 
we set a dynamic course that will demonstrate to the region, to the 
country, and the world that New Mexico can respond to adversity and 
become a leader in water resources management.

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