In a February 14 press release and fact sheet, the White House described several
activities the Administration is undertaking to address drought in western states,
including:
- $15 million in targeted conservation assistance for farmers and ranchers in the most extreme and exceptional drought areas. This funding is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and includes $5 million for California and $10 million for drought-impacted areas in Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico.
- $5 million in targeted Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program assistance to communities in the most drought-impacted areas of California to protect vulnerable soils.
- $3 million in Emergency Water Assistance Grants for rural California communities suffering severe stresses in drinking water quality or quantity.
- Reducing federal facilities’ water usage and redoubling efforts on prior commitments.
- Directing the Department of the Interior to increase flexibilities for water contractors in meeting their obligations.
The fact sheet also describes efforts by other federal agencies and specifically notes that NOAA, EPA, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service are, together with the states, “to examine possible ways to help alleviate water quality and water supply problems caused or exacerbated by the drought."