Federal Water Subcabinet formalized
The Water Subcabinet will focus on “effi cient and eff ective management and modernization” of water supplies.
A formalized Water Subcabinet will focus on “efficient and effective management and modernization” of water supplies while eliminating duplication among federal agencies, according to an executive order from President Donald Trump.
Trump signed the order, in an action the White House said ensures federal coordination on water policy will become “standard practice now and into the future.”
According to the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Water Subcabinet will:
• Promote effective and efficient water resources management by reducing duplication among federal agencies developing water policy.
• Develop a national water strategy to ensure the reliability of water supplies, water quality, water systems and water forecasting.
• Promote integrated planning and coordination for drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, water storage and delivery, and water resource management.
• Support and enhance workforce development to recruit, train and retain watersector professionals.
• California Farm Bureau Federation President Jamie Johansson welcomed the formalized efforts to coordinate federal water management.
“Farmers cannot grow the food and farm products we all consume without water— and in California and much of the West, more must be done to secure adequate, reliable and cost- effective supplies for farms, cities and the environment,” Johansson said.
“It’s time for agencies and elected officials at all levels to put aside differences and come together around this critical issue. Our aging water system needs concerted, coordinated work to assure it can provide safe water for drinking and irrigation and a healthy ecosystem.”
Family Farm Alliance Executive Director Dan Keppen noted that an informal Water Subcabinet has been working together under the Trump administration for the past several years.
“We are already seeing improved coordination among the multiple federal agencies who have jurisdiction over Western water matters,” Keppen said. “Formally establishing the Water Subcabinet with this executive order should further improve agency coordination and decision- making.”