The National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act has been signed by U.S. President Barack Obama, in response to the current drought in California.
This is the most severe dry period in 100 years to affect the Golden State.
The White House says the measure will provide timely forecasts of future droughts, as well as provide assistance for communities affected by dry conditions. Early warning systems, drought monitoring and weather predictions are all funded by the National Integrated Drought Information System. This program was first developed in 2006, in response to a request from western governors two years previously.
Not only cities and states, but farmers and businesses depend on the early-warning service to provide information about harsh conditions coming to their area. With this data in hand, people are able to plan on water use, including irrigation, making supplies more plentiful for other people in their community.
This reauthorization will keep the program in place through at least 2018. The measure passed the U.S. House on a vote of 356 to 21, while the Senate approved of the act by unanimous consent.
White House officials believe the program is needed more than ever, in light of global warming, and extreme weather conditions worldwide accompanying higher temperatures.
"As climate change increases the intensity of weather-related disasters such as droughts, wildfires, storms and floods, providing access to updated drought-related science and tools is growing even more important," the President wrote in a statement.
A number of states in the western half of the country are currently also experiencing drought conditions.
Under the reauthorization act, the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be required to report to Congress regarding actions government officials can take to alleviate the effects of droughts as quickly as possible.
California has suffered from below-average rainfall for the last three years, leading to problems with farming, and wildfires during warmer months. Officials estimate 95 percent of the Golden State is currently experiencing drought conditions. Severe storms that hit around the state during the last week have done little to re-supply parched waterways. Governor Jerry Brown has asked residents to voluntarily reduce their water use by 20 percent.
President Obama also announced a new National Drought Resilience Partnership. This program will coordinate federal and state-level efforts to combat the effects of long-term dry spells on local communities.
"I commend Congress for passing this bipartisan bill to continue to build our national resilience to drought and help communities, farmers, businesses and individuals better prepare and recover when disaster strikes,' the president wrote.
