CEQ Seeks Comment on Draft Plan to Protect Water Quality and Availability from Climate Change Impacts

June 3, 2011 Anthony DeRosa

On June 2nd the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released its Draft National Action Plan for Managing Freshwater Resources in a Changing Climate. This plan is aimed at helping Federal agencies assure adequate water supplies, safeguard water quality, and protect public health and property. To accomplish this goal, the Plan specifically calls on Federal agencies to:

Establish a planning process to adapt water resources management to a changing climate that includes better coordinating Federal agencies and maintaining strong engagement with state, local and tribal governments, stakeholders, and the public.
Improve the quality of water resources and climate change information available to decision-makers.
Expand the use of water efficiency practices and technologies.
Develop a toolbox of the most effective freshwater conservation practices to help state and local officials and facility managers identify and adopt these practices.
Develop a pilot climate change vulnerability index for a major category of water facilities, such as drinking water systems, to help facility managers prioritize their adaptation responses.
Develop a “one stop” internet portal for up-to-date data and information on water resources and climate change.

ASDWA will work with its members to provide comments to CEQ by the July 15th due date. To read the Draft Plan, visit the White House web site HERE. For more information about CEQ’s activities to date, visit the CEQ Adaptation Web Site.