A bill co-introduced by Sen. Mark Kelly looks to renew a federal program that monitors groundwater quality and availability along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Kelly introduced the bill alongside Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. They say cross-border aquifers supply communities in both the U.S. and Mexico with water for drinking, agriculture and industry — but vital information about the health and quality of those water systems is lacking.
They’re asking for the U.S.-Mexico transboundary aquifer assessment program to be reauthorized and expanded, so that research and data collection about groundwater security, quality and quantity can continue. The program was first authorized in 2006 and brought together research from agencies and universities in Mexico and the U.S. — including the University of Arizona.
A version of the bill introduced in the U.S. House by Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani has already passed its committee.
