Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/668983
Action Plan for Long-Term Drought Resilience Released by White House A presidential memorandum and action plan on long-term response to and recovery from drought was released by the White House in conjunction with the White House Water Summit on March 22. Designed to be a national plan, rather than a western-focused plan, the memo- randum and action plan outline three goals and several actions to be taken throughout 2016 to build a more drought-resilient country. The plan focuses on cooperation be- tween federal agencies and with state and local governments and takes a holis- tic approach to addressing the wide- spread threats and impacts of drought —including challenges to infrastructure, public health, and viability of agricul- tural production. The drought response plan could provide a boost to several NGWA- supported initiatives. These include the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network, efficient water use in agricul- ture, and support for rural communities facing depleted or contaminated ground- water. Senate Nears Compromise on Flint, Freeing Energy Bill for Floor Action The situation with lead contamina- tion in Flint, Michigan, created chal- lenges for moving forward the Energy Policy Modernization Act. The energy bill was progressing fairly smoothly through the U.S. Senate, before senators from Michigan placed a hold on the legislation to negotiate an aid package for Michigan. After weeks of delays, a path forward seems to be secured, allowing for the energy bill to reach the Senate floor for a vote. Floor time, however, has not yet been scheduled. Passage of an energy bill would lead to a conference committee with legisla- tion that passed the House in 2015. Passage of the Senate energy bill expands the definition of renewable to include geothermal and includes fund- ing for the Department of Energy to improve loop well drilling techniques. Tire Safety Is Focus of 2016 CVSA Roadcheck T ransport Topics reports the Com- mercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's 2016 International Roadcheck will take place June 7-9 at dozens of locations throughout North America. This year's emphasis is tire safety. Nearly 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial, territorial, and federal inspectors will check any commercial vehicle, including drill rigs and pump hoists, during the world's biggest targeted-enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles. While inspectors perform the usual 37-step North American Standard Level I Inspection, an emphasis will be placed on checking tire pressure, making sure no items are lodged between dual tires, and that no deep cuts or bulges exist in the tires' sidewalls. The vehicle inspection also includes the braking system, securement of cargo, coupling devices, exhaust system, NEWS continues on page 10 WWJ May 2016 9 Twitter @WaterWellJournl