Torres Small Introduces Bill to Address Water Scarcity at Holloman, WSMR, and Military Installations Nationwide

June 2, 2020
Press Release
In the face of increased water scarcity, legislation aims to improve DoD evaluation practices to support military installations nationwide

Las Cruces, N.M. – This week, Reps. Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02), member of House Armed Services Committee, and Jason Crow (CO-06) introduced DoD Water Act, legislation to address water scarcity at military installations in New Mexico and nationwide. With water being vital to missions from training operations to weapons testing, the legislation will ensure the Department of Defense (DoD) is equipped to evaluate water use and scarcity.

“Few places have experienced water scarcity like New Mexico. I’ve worked with our bases and local communities to best position Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) to tackle the present and future threats to our national security—we must also make sure they have the water they need to carry out those missions,” said Torres Small. “Our national security depends on our ability to adapt in the face of climate change and a dwindling supply of water. By requiring common, science-based water assessment practices, we can equip DoD with the data necessary to move forward with smart investments in water management and preparedness.”

Over 100 military installations across the United States are at risk for not having enough water to execute missions -- including Holloman and WSMR in New Mexico -- according to GAO and DoD reports. With the increasing threat of drought and climate change, it is essential that DoD has accurate data to understand the scope of the problem and where resources are needed to combat this issue.

Specifically, this bill would require Secretaries of the military departments to submit a report to Congress on water scarcity evaluation practices used by the Department of Defense on the following:

  • Analysis and determination of the value of developing a coordinated, enterprise-wide water scarcity assessment using leading practices compared to continuing individual service-level assessments;
  • Justification for the assessment technique determined preferable under paragraph; and
  • Proposed policy with respect to the water scarcity evaluation practices of the Department.

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Issues: 
Congress, Environment