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• Earthquake Risk and U.S. Highway Infrastructure: Frequently Asked Questions [June 5, 2013]

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  "The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sendai, Japan, on March 11, 2011, renewed concerns about the seismic risk to America's infrastructure, including its highways. Concerns about the U.S. highway system's seismic risk stem from interest in protecting public safety, facilitating response and recovery efforts, and minimizing economic loss and social disruption. Seismic resilience of the U.S. highway system has improved in recent decades as investments have been made to build new, more resilient infrastructure and to retrofit existing structures. However, not all existing highway infrastructure has been retrofitted, and no infrastructure can be constructed in a cost-effective manner to be immune from the most intense earthquakes, so some seismic risk to the U.S. highway system remains. Although earthquake hazards in the United States generally are well documented, little national or federal data exist about the seismic risk to U.S. highway infrastructure. Instead, seismic highway risks typically are assessed and addressed by state and local entities which are generally responsible for building and maintaining that infrastructure. The federal government supports these nonfederal efforts by providing data on the seismic hazard for different locations, assisting in the development of construction standards and guidelines, and undertaking research, training, and the development of tools to assist in risk reduction. In limited circumstances, the federal government invests directly in improving resiliency of specific highway structures. This report addresses frequently asked questions about the risk from earthquakes to highway systems, including bridges, tunnels, pavements, and other highway components. Particular attention is given to highway bridges, which often are the most vulnerable highway structures. The report also discusses federal and nonfederal actions to reduce seismic risk to the U.S. highway system. Japan is generally regarded as the country with the most earthquake-resilient infrastructure. Research into the performance of Japan's highway structures and systems during and after the massive Sendai earthquake and resulting tsunami is ongoing. Japanese and U.S. earthquake science and engineering researchers have well-established collaborations aimed at gathering empirical data and drawing lessons from significant events. It is too soon to know how the events in Japan will affect understanding of the seismic risk of U.S. highway infrastructure, and whether changes in U.S. seismic highway design standards and guidance will result."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin); Carter, Nicole T.; Mallett, William

  2013-06-05
• Oil Sands and the Keystone XL Pipeline: Background and Selected Environmental Issues [April 14, 2014]

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  "If constructed, the Keystone XL pipeline would transport crude oil (e.g., synthetic crude oil or diluted bitumen) derived from oil sands in Alberta, Canada to destinations in the United States. Because the pipeline crosses an international border, it requires a Presidential Permit that is issued by the Department of State (DOS). The permit decision rests on a 'national interest' determination, a term not defined in the authorizing Executive Orders. DOS states that it has 'significant discretion' in the factors it examines in this determination. [...] Although some groups have opposed previous oil pipeline permits, opposition to the Keystone XL proposal has generated substantially more interest among environmental stakeholders. Pipeline opponents are not a monolithic group: some raise concerns about potential local impacts, such as oil spills or extraction impacts in Canada; some argue the pipeline would have national energy and climate change policy implications."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ramseur, Jonathan L.; Lattanzio, Richard K.; Luther, Linda G. . . .

  2014-04-14
• Emergency Water Assistance During Drought: Federal Non-Agricultural Programs [February 26, 2014]

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  "Drought conditions often fuel congressional interest in federal assistance. While drought planning and preparedness are largely individual, business, local, and state responsibilities, some federal assistance is available to mitigate drought impacts. While much of the federal assistance is targeted at mitigating impacts on the agricultural economy, other federal programs are authorized to provide non-agricultural water assistance. Interest in these non-agricultural programs often increases as communities, households, and businesses experience shrinking and less reliable water supplies. Authorized federal assistance is spread across a variety of agencies, and each has limitations on what activities and entities are eligible and the funding that is available."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Cowan, Tadlock; Barrett, Joanna

  2014-02-26
• H.R. 3080 and S. 601: Side-by-Side Comparison of Selected Provisions [January 15, 2014]

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  "This report provides a side-by-side analysis of selected provisions of House-passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRDDA 2013), and Senate-passed S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013 (WRDA 2013). Both bills represent omnibus legislation for Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) water resources activities. On October 31, 2013, the Senate took up H.R. 3080, and replaced the text passed by the House with the text of S. 601 as passed by the Senate. The Senate insisted on its amendment and requested a conference. While the House and Senate versions of H.R. 3080 are the basis for conference, this report compares H.R. 3080 as passed by the House and S. 601 as passed by the Senate, which is identical to the Senate version of H.R. 3080. […] During the bills' consideration, Members expressed frustration with how long Corps projects take. Many Members have also expressed interest in authorizing new projects and deauthorizing older unconstructed projects. Some Members want more prominent nonfederal roles. Others support more funding for harbor maintenance and improved inland waterway construction. H.R. 3080 and S. 601 would address these issues, but often using different means. The earmark debate and concerns about congressional roles also shaped each bill's approach. The Administration provided comments during congressional deliberations; the most recent was a December 2013 letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works (ASA), to the conferees."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Frittelli, John; Luther, Linda G. . . .

  2014-01-15
• Water Resource Issues in the 113th Congress [January 29, 2013]

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  "The 113th Congress may face many issues related to water resource development, management, and protection. Such issues include how to make investment decisions in the context of federal fiscal constraints; how to distribute investments between activities to meet new demands for water supplies and aquatic ecosystem restoration and protection; how to maintain and reinvest in an aging portfolio of federal infrastructure (e.g., locks, dams, and levees); and how to effectively respond to and prepare for flood and drought emergencies. These issues often arise at the regional level, but have a federal nexus. For example, Congress may continue to be faced with issues associated with flooding (e.g., Hurricane Sandy response and recovery), navigation and water supply challenges due to drought-induced low river flows, and balancing water supply needs of farm and urban communities with protection of threatened and endangered species. […] This report discusses recent congressional activity and possible topics for the 113th Congress. It provides an overview of the federal role in water resources development, management, and protection, including a discussion of the two major federal water resources agencies and related legislation. It also discusses overarching policy issues, such as flood and drought management and response; project funding and authorization priorities; and aquatic ecosystem restoration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2013-01-29
• H.R. 3080 and S. 601: Comparison of Select Provisions and Conference Developments [May 19, 2014]

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  "Conference report H.Rept. 113-449 would resolve differences between H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA 2013), and S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013 (WRDA 2013). Both bills represented omnibus authorization legislation for water resource activities, principally associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Stern, Charles V.; Frittelli, John . . .

  2014-05-19
• Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014: Comparison of Select Provisions [July 14, 2014]

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  "The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014, P.L. 113-121) became law on June 10, 2014. The conference report, H.Rept. 113-449, resolved differences between H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA 2013), and S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013 (WRDA 2013). Both bills represented omnibus authorization legislation for water resource activities, principally associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)." This Congressional Research Service Report contains the following contents: 1) WRRDA Conference Report Developments; 2) Comparison of H.R. 3080, S. 601, and Conference Report; 3) Expediting Studies, Environmental Reviews, and Permits; 4) Expanding Project Delivery and Finance Opportunities; 5) Authorizing Projects and Managing Subsequent Authorizations; 6) Investing in Navigation; 7) Reducing Flood Risks; 8) Restoring and Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems; 9) Deauthorizing Projects and Managing the Backlog; and 10) Addressing Other Issues.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Stern, Charles V.; Frittelli, John . . .

  2014-07-14
• Shale Energy Technology Assessment: Current and Emerging Water Practices [July 14, 2014]

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  "Shale oil and gas (collectively referred to as shale energy), long considered 'unconventional' hydrocarbon resources, are now being developed rapidly. Economic extraction of shale energy resources typically relies on the use of hydraulic fracturing. This technique often requires significant amounts of freshwater, and fracturing flowback and related wastewaters must be recycled or disposed of after a well is completed. While shale energy presents a significant energy resource, its development has the potential to pose risks to water availability and water quality. This report provides a technological assessment of existing and emerging water procurement and management practices in shale energy-producing regions of the United States. The intersection of evolving technology, growing environmental concerns, demand for new sources of hydrocarbon energy, and the potential national interests in developing shale oil and gas resources provides the context for this study. Congressional attention has been focused on two key aspects of the issue: shale energy as a growing U.S. energy source, and environmental concerns associated with the development of these resources."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Tiemann, Mary; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin); Carter, Nicole T.

  2014-07-14
• Army Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects: Authorization and Appropriations [December 5, 2011]

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  "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers undertakes activities to maintain navigable channels, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. Congress directs the Corps through authorizations, appropriations, and oversight of its studies, construction projects, and other activities. Historically, the agency's authorizations and appropriations have been largely project[-]based, with the projects being in specific locations. There is some uncertainty about legislation related to the Corps during the 112th Congress, in light of the House Republican Conference standing order in its conference rule and the Senate Republican Conference resolution supporting a moratorium on Member earmark requests. This report summarizes congressional authorization and appropriations processes for the Corps and explains the standard Corps project development process. It also discusses agency activities under general authorities. […] Congress generally authorizes Corps activities and provides policy direction in Water Resources Development Acts (WRDAs). Beginning in 1986, a biennial WRDA consideration was loosely followed; enactment has been less regular. The most recent WRDA was enacted in 2007 (P.L. 110-114). Pressure to authorize new projects, increase authorized funding levels, and modify existing projects promotes fairly regular WRDA consideration. WRDAs historically have been omnibus bills including many provisions for site[-]specific activities. Authorizations of many Corps activities were included under the House Republican Conference 2010 moratorium on Members requesting earmarks. Congress also authorizes some studies through resolutions passed by an authorizing committee. […] Congress has granted the Corps some general authorities to undertake some studies, small projects, technical assistance, and emergency actions such as flood-fighting and repair of damaged levees. Additionally, the Corps conducts emergency response actions directed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Stern, Charles V.

  2011-12-05
• Federal Involvement in Flood Response and Flood Infrastructure Repair: Storm Sandy Recovery [October 31, 2012]

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  "Storm Sandy was a reminder that the United States is vulnerable to significant weather hazards, and that infrequent but intense flood events can cause significant damage and disruption. In addition to wind damages and electricity disruptions, the storm's surge damaged property and infrastructure in coastal and inlet areas, while the storm's rains and snowmelt swelled rivers and creeks. These impacts contributed to public safety concerns and private and public property loss. Although the storm was not notable for its wind intensity, Sandy's significant size, its unusually low atmospheric pressure, and the astronomic high tide combined with other weather systems to amplify flooding consequences and economic and transportation disruptions. With events like Storm Sandy, common questions for Congress include: Which federal programs can assist with flood-fighting? Which federal programs can assist with repairing damaged dunes, levees, and other flood protection? What are the policy and funding issues that may arise during recovery?"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.

  2012-10-31
• Water Resource Issues in the 113th Congress [January 31, 2013]

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  "The 113th Congress may face many issues related to water resource development, management, and protection. Such issues include how to make investment decisions in the context of federal fiscal constraints; how to distribute investments between activities to meet new demands for water supplies and aquatic ecosystem restoration and protection; how to maintain and reinvest in an aging portfolio of federal infrastructure (e.g., locks, dams, and levees); and how to effectively respond to and prepare for flood and drought emergencies. These issues often arise at the regional level, but have a federal nexus. For example, Congress may continue to be faced with issues associated with flooding (e.g., Hurricane Sandy response and recovery), navigation and water supply challenges due to drought-induced low river flows, and balancing water supply needs of farm and urban communities with protection of threatened and endangered species. […] This report discusses recent congressional activity and possible topics for the 113th Congress. It provides an overview of the federal role in water resources development, management, and protection, including a discussion of the two major federal water resources agencies and related legislation. It also discusses overarching policy issues, such as flood and drought management and response; project funding and authorization priorities; and aquatic ecosystem restoration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2013-01-31
• Sharing the Colorado River and the Rio Grande: Cooperation and Conflict with Mexico [December 12, 2018]

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  "The United States and Mexico share the waters of the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. A bilateral water treaty from 1944 (the 1944 Water Treaty) and other binational agreements guide how the two governments share the flows of these rivers. The binational International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) administers these agreements. Since 1944, the IBWC has been the principal venue for addressing river-related disputes between the United States and Mexico. The 1944 Water Treaty authorizes the IBWC to develop rules and to issue proposed decisions, called minutes, regarding matters related to the treaty's execution and interpretation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Mulligan, Stephen P.; Stern, Charles V.

  2018-12-12
• Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act: Bureau of Reclamation and California Water Provisions [Updated December 14, 2018]

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  "Most of the provisions in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act; P.L. 114-322), enacted on December 16, 2016, relate to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, the WIIN Act also includes a subtitle (Title II, Subtitle J, §§4001-4013) with the potential to affect western water infrastructure owned by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation; part of the Department of the Interior). Three sections in Subtitle J (§4007, §4009, and §4011) made alterations that would apply throughout Reclamation's service area, the 17 states to the west of the Mississippi River. Most of the remaining sections of this subtitle include provisions specific to the Central Valley Project (CVP), a multipurpose water-conveyance system in California operated by Reclamation. Most of Subtitle J's provisions were derived from bills that received consideration in the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Carter, Nicole T.

  2018-12-14
• U.S.-Mexican Water Sharing: Background and Recent Developments [Updated March 2, 2017]

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  From the Summary: "The United States and Mexico share the waters of the Colorado River and Rio Grande pursuant to binational agreements. Increasing water demands and reduced supplies deriving from drought and air temperatures increase the challenges and significance of reliable water sharing. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is charged with addressing issues that arise during application of binational water treaties. The IBWC is a binational entity with a U.S. Section that operates under foreign policy guidance from the U.S. Department of State. Under the binational 1944 Water Treaty, disputes and new developments can be resolved through agreed-upon interpretations of the treaty, called 'minutes'."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Mulligan, Stephen P.

  2017-03-02
• U.S.-Mexico Water Sharing: Background and Recent Developments [January 23, 2015]

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  "The United States and Mexico share the Colorado River and Rio Grande pursuant to binational agreements. Compliance with these agreements becomes more complicated and controversial as water demands near or exceed available supplies and when drought and high heat further reduce availability and increase demand. […] Some Members of Congress have expressed concerns about the adequacy of Mexico's 1944 Water Treaty compliance, U.S. efforts to hold Mexico to its treaty obligations, and the resulting economic impacts, especially in Texas border counties. On December 16, 2014, P.L. 113-235, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, became law, and a provision in this omnibus legislation required that the U.S. Section of the IBWC report to the Committees on Appropriations on various water delivery and accounting issues within 45 days of enactment."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Shedd, Daniel T.

  2015-01-23
• U.S.-Mexico Water Sharing: Background and Recent Developments [November 10, 2015]

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  "The United States and Mexico share the Colorado River and Rio Grande pursuant to binational agreements. Increasing water demands and reduced supplies deriving from drought and high heat increase the challenges and significance of treaty compliance. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), a binational entity with a U.S. Section that operates under the foreign policy guidance from the U.S. Department of State, is charged with addressing issues that arise during application of these treaties."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Shedd, Daniel T.

  2015-11-10
• Water Resource Issues in the 114th Congress [February 11, 2015]

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  "The 114th Congress faces many water resource development, management, and protection issues. Congressional actions shape reinvestment in aging federal infrastructure (e.g., dams, locks, and levees) and federal and nonfederal investment in new infrastructure, such as water supply augmentation, hydropower projects, navigation improvements, and efforts to restore aquatic ecosystems. These issues often arise at the regional or local levels but frequently have a federal connection. Ongoing issues include competition over water, drought and flood responses and policies, competitiveness and efficiency of U.S. harbors and waterways, and innovative and alternative financing approaches. The 114th Congress also may continue oversight of operations of federal infrastructure during drought and low-flow conditions, past large-scale flooding issues (e.g., Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, Missouri and Mississippi River floods), and balancing hydropower generation, recreational use, and protection of threatened and endangered species. In addition to oversight, each Congress also provides appropriations for major federal water resource agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). […] This report discusses recent congressional activity and possible topics for the 114th Congress. It provides an overview of the federal role in water resources development, management, and protection, with a focus on projects of the two major federal water resources agencies-- Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps--and related legislation. It also discusses overarching policy issues, such as drought and flood management and response, project funding and authorization priorities, and aquatic ecosystem restoration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2015-02-11
• Water Resource Issues in the 114th Congress [January 23, 2015]

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  "The 114th Congress faces many water resource development, management, and protection issues. Congressional actions shape reinvestment in aging federal infrastructure (e.g., dams, locks, and levees) and federal and nonfederal investment in new infrastructure, such as water supply augmentation, hydropower projects, navigation improvements, and efforts to restore aquatic ecosystems. These issues often arise at the regional or local levels, but often have a federal connection. Ongoing issues include competition over water, drought and flood responses and policies, competitiveness and efficiency of U.S. harbors and waterways, and innovative and alternative financing approaches. The 114th Congress also may continue oversight of operations of federal infrastructure during drought and low-flow conditions, past large-scale flooding issues (e.g., Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, Missouri and Mississippi River floods), and balancing hydropower generation, recreational use, and protection of threatened and endangered species. In addition to oversight, each Congress also provides appropriations for major federal water resource agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). The issues before the 114th Congress are in part shaped by what earlier Congresses chose to enact and consider. Measures considered but not enacted by the 113th Congress include California drought legislation, various drought policy and water efficiency and conservation measures, regional restoration legislation (e.g., Klamath Basin, Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay), actions to expedite water storage projects and permits, settlement of Indian water rights claims, and a lifting of restrictions on firearms at Army Corps projects."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2015-01-23
• Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2016 [January 5, 2016]

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  "The 114th Congress is anticipated to consider authorization legislation for the water resources activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) in 2016. A number of issues may influence the content of such legislation. These issues span the agency's role in new and existing navigation improvements, coastal and riverine flood risk reduction, and environmental restoration and protection efforts. Congress generally authorizes the study and construction of Corps projects before providing federal appropriations for them. While many stakeholders are interested in Congress authorizing new Corps studies and projects, others seek congressional direction in developing a more focused and prioritized agenda for the agency and for the federal funding dedicated to its new and existing projects."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.

  2016-01-05
• Western Water and Drought: Legislative Analysis of H.R. 2898 and S. 1894 [December 23, 2015]

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  "Several western states are experiencing extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The persistence and intensity of the drought, which began in 2011 in some areas, has received considerable attention from Congress. To date, federal legislative proposals have focused primarily on the management of federal water projects, support for drought-related programs, and needs of fish and wildlife for water. A broad policy question is how Congress might address western drought, drought in any part of the United States, and gaps in water supply and demand. Several bills have been introduced in the 114th Congress that would address issues associated with drought. They include S. 176, S. 1837, S. 1894, H.R. 2898, H.R. 2983, and H.R. 3045, among others. Of the bills considered to date, H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act, and S. 1894, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2015, have received the most congressional and public attention. On July 17, 2015, H.R. 2898 passed the House, and on October 8, 2015, both H.R. 2898 and S. 1894 were the focus of a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. There are reports that a draft bill addressing differences between H.R. 2898 and S. 1894 is being negotiated; however no new bills have been introduced."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V. . . .

  2015-12-23
• Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) [May 25, 2016]

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  Taken from the CRS (Congressional Research Service) Insight, the following provides an introduction to the subject matter. "The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) is the principal mechanism for accomplishing the flood risk management policies established by President Obama in Executive Order (E.O.) 13690. E.O. 13690 aims to improve the resilience of communities and federal assets against the impacts of flooding. The FFRMS is a flood resilience standard that is required for 'federally funded projects.' The October 2015 FFRMS defines federally funded projects as 'actions where Federal funds are used for new construction, substantial improvement, or to address substantial damage to a structure or facility.' A structure is defined as a walled or roofed building; a facility is a man-made or man-placed item other than a structure."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Brown, Jared T.; McCarthy, Francis X.

  2016-05-25
• Earthquake Risk and U.S. Highway Infrastructure: Frequently Asked Questions [May 19, 2016]

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  "Earthquakes and related events, such as soil liquefaction, landslides, tsunamis, flooding, and fires, pose risks to highway infrastructure. Concerns about the U.S. highway system's seismic vulnerability stem from interest in protecting public safety, facilitating response and recovery efforts, and minimizing economic loss and social disruption. This report addresses a number of frequently asked questions about earthquake risk and highway system components, especially bridges."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mallett, William; Carter, Nicole T.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)

  2016-05-19
• Army Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects: Authorization and Appropriations [May 6, 2013]

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  "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is an agency in the Department of Defense with both military and civil works responsibilities. Under its civil works program, the Corps plans, builds, operates, and maintains a wide range of water resources facilities. The agency attracts congressional attention because its projects can have significant local and regional economic benefits and environmental effects. Congress directs the Corps through authorizations; appropriations; and oversight of studies, construction projects, and other activities. Earmark moratoriums that apply not only to appropriations but also authorizations of site-specific projects have influenced recent congressional action related to the Corps. Hurricane Sandy and ongoing drought also have brought attention to Corps actions, authorities, and funding. This report provides an overview of the Corps civil works program. It covers the congressional authorization and appropriation process, the standard project development process, and other Corps activities and authorities. It provides a limited discussion of the earmark debate as it relates to Corps authorizations and appropriations. It describes the limits on the Corps' role in levee accreditation and improvements for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T.

  2013-05-06
• Drought in the United States: Causes and Issues for Congress [April 22, 2013]

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  "This report discusses how drought is defined (e.g., why drought in one region of the country is different from drought in another region), and why drought occurs in the United States. How droughts are classified, and what is meant by moderate, severe, and extreme drought classifications, are also discussed. The report briefly describes periods of drought in the country's past that equaled or exceeded drought conditions experienced during the 20th century. This is followed by a discussion of the future prospects for a climate in the western United States that might be drier than the average 20th-century climate. The report concludes with a primer on policy challenges for Congress, such as the existing federal/nonfederal split in drought response and management and the patchwork of drought programs subject to oversight by multiple congressional committees."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin); Cody, Betsy A.; Carter, Nicole T.

  2013-04-22
• Army Corps of Engineers Water Resource Projects: Authorization and Appropriations [March 22, 2013]

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  "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is an agency in the Department of Defense with both military and civil works responsibilities. Under its civil works program, the Corps plans, builds, operates, and maintains a wide range of water resources facilities. The agency attracts congressional attention because its projects can have significant local and regional economic benefits and environmental effects. Congress directs the Corps through authorizations; appropriations; and oversight of studies, construction projects, and other activities. Earmark moratoriums that apply not only to appropriations but also authorizations of site-specific projects have influenced recent congressional action related to the Corps. Hurricane Sandy and ongoing drought also have brought attention to Corps actions, authorities, and funding. This report provides an overview of the Corps civil works program. It covers the congressional authorization and appropriation process, the standard project development process, and other Corps activities and authorities. It provides a limited discussion of the earmark debate as it relates to Corps authorizations and appropriations. It describes the limits on the Corps' role in levee accreditation and improvements for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Stern, Charles V.

  2013-03-22
• Keystone XL Pipeline: Recent Developments [November 21, 2017]

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  "TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL Pipeline would transport oil sands crude from Canada and shale oil produced in the Bakken region of North Dakota and Montana to a market hub in Nebraska [...]. On November 20, 2017, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the 'alternative mainline' route for the Nebraska segment of Keystone XL which would co-locate some of the new pipeline with the company's existing Keystone (Mainline) Pipeline. This route differs from the siting that TransCanada originally proposed [...]. Due to the PSC's decision, Keystone XL may require additional federal authorizations and revision of existing ones, among other consequences, increasing the regulatory and economic uncertainty around the pipeline's construction."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parfomak, Paul W.; Carter, Nicole T.

  2017-11-21
• Floodplain Management and Flood Resilience: Current Policy and Considerations for Congress [December 22, 2017]

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  This Insight provides a description of the current presidential direction on floodplain policy. "An issue for Congress is how federal floodplain policy shapes implementation of federal projects and programs. Floodplain policy has particular relevance for federal disaster recovery assistance and infrastructure support. President Trump and, earlier, Presidents Obama and Carter have provided direction on federal floodplain policy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

  2017-12-22
• Water Authorization Legislation in Brief: H.R. 8 and S. 2800 [June 1, 2018]

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  "The 115th Congress is deliberating two water authorization bills: H.R. 8, the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (WRDA 2018), and S. 2800, America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AIWA 2018). Both bills were introduced and marked up by their respective authorizing committees in May 2018. In the tradition of previous legislation with the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) title, H.R. 8 focuses on authorizing water resource projects and activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). S. 2800 includes not only provisions related to USACE provisions but also provisions related to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particularly in Title V of the bill ('EPA-Related Provisions'). In addition, S. 2800 includes a few other provisions that relate primarily to Department of the Interior activities and programs. Issues for the 115th Congress related to these deliberations include the scope of water issues to be addressed, how the legislation would affect federal spending, and how the legislation would affect federal and nonfederal investments in water infrastructure. There is also interest in altering how the USACE is structured and modifying its operations and delivery of water resource projects. This report provides an overview of H.R. 8 and S. 2800, including context related to the bills and the topics shaping deliberations. After a brief background, the report presents a broad overview of the two bills. The next section describes the context for the USACE provisions and discusses how the two bills address selected topics. The final section describes EPA-related provisions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Tiemann, Mary

  2018-06-01
• Flood Resilience and Risk Reduction: Federal Assistance and Programs [July 25, 2018]

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  "Recent flood disasters have raised congressional and public interest in not only reducing flood risks, but also improving flood resilience, which is the ability to adapt to, withstand, and rapidly recover from floods. Congress has established various federal programs that may be available to assist U.S. state, local, and territorial entities and tribes in reducing flood risks. Among the most significant current federal programs assisting communities with improvements to reduce their flood risks and improve their flood resilience are (1) programs that assist with infrastructure to reduce flood risks and other flood mitigation activities, and (2) programs of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that provide incentives to reduce flood risks."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T. . . .

  2018-07-25
• Federal Role in Groundwater Supply: Overview and Legislation in the 115th Congress [July 18, 2018]

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  "Groundwater, the water in aquifers accessible by wells, is a critical component of the U.S. water supply. It is important for both domestic and agricultural water needs, among other uses. Nearly half of the nation's population uses groundwater to meet daily needs; in 2015, about 149 million people (46% of the nation's population) relied on groundwater for their domestic indoor and outdoor water supply. The greatest volume of groundwater used every day is for agriculture, specifically for irrigation. In 2015, irrigation accounted for 69% of the total fresh groundwater withdrawals in the United States. For that year, California pumped the most groundwater for irrigation, followed by Arkansas, Nebraska, Idaho, Texas, and Kansas, in that order. Groundwater also is used as a supply for mining, oil and gas development, industrial processes, livestock, and thermoelectric power, among other uses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin); Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2018-07-18