President Obama Pledges Federal Support for Western Drought

WASHINGTON D.C. (June 12, 2015) – President Obama convened a meeting with leaders of several Western states today to discuss the federal response to a drought that has been ravaging the western part of the United States.  Obama also announced federal financial support to aid western agriculture and rural communities impacted by the lack of water and threat of wildfires.

Following is a statement from Kate Poole, water & wildlife director for the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“With no end to the drought in sight, this federal support can help alleviate the pressures created by a failed water management system. As climate change leads to longer, drier days ahead, we need to address the problem today while protecting against the threat tomorrow. Funding to employ workers displaced by the drought, help rural communities cope with the drought, and invest in advanced irrigation technology are the right types of support for the West’s short-term and long-term needs.

“Right now, farmers use about 80 percent of California’s developed water supply, and almost half of that water is used inefficiently. By adopting modern-day tools, we can get more crop per drop, cut costs, and be more drought-resilient in the future. That’s the right path for our agricultural system, and it’s great to see our federal leadership embrace those measures.”