[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 129 (Thursday, July 22, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5053-S5054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, and Mr. Ossoff):
  S. 2454. A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to 
reauthorize the pilot program for alternative water source projects, 
and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works.
  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the ``Water Reuse and 
Resiliency Act.'' This legislation would authorize $1 billion for 
innovative water infrastructure projects that respond to our Country's 
growing water needs and the historic drought facing the Western United 
States.
  In the face of unprecedented heat and drought conditions across the 
Western United States, and growing water resource challenges across the 
entire Nation, it is critically important that we invest now to 
modernize and adapt our water systems for the 21st century.
  The Environmental Protection Agency's Alternative Water Source 
Projects pilot program provides competitive grants to engineer, design, 
construct, and test alternative water source systems, including water 
recycling systems and projects that conserve, manage, reclaim, or reuse 
water resources.
  The Water Reuse and Resiliency Act would reauthorize the EPA's 
Alternative Water Source Projects pilot program for five years, 
increase the authorization to $1 billion, and make stormwater reuse and 
groundwater recharge projects eligible for grant funding.
  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
(NOAA), as of July 13, an estimated 89% of the Western U.S. is 
experiencing drought. Unfortunately, historic droughts are becoming the 
new normal. The impacts of drought on water availability are compounded 
by triple-digit temperatures, record low snowpack levels, and a growing 
population.
  By expanding the use of alternative, non-traditional water sources, 
such as capturing stormwater runoff and recycling wastewater for 
groundwater recharge, the Water Reuse and Resiliency Act supports 
innovations in water treatment that can deliver a new, safe, and 
reliable source of water for potable use or irrigation.
  I thank my co-lead, Senator Feinstein, for her tireless leadership 
fighting for clean water for Californians and

[[Page S5054]]

all Americans. I also thank the cosponsors of this bill for championing 
this vital effort with us in the Senate.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the ``Water 
Reuse and Resiliency Act'' as quickly as possible.
  Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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