This year, Washington State and much of the western United States faced severe drought conditions, water shortages, and rationing, which have had serious impacts on our agriculture, energy, and manufacturing sectors, as well as the many families and small businesses that rely on an adequate and stable supply of water. Many residents are confronting the worst drought they’ve seen in many years, and a growing number of communities across the West have been acutely impacted by these arid conditions. While this crisis has been caused by the drought, burdensome environmental laws, as well as misguided and outdated regulatory restrictions, have exacerbated the situation. As a third-generation farmer, I understand from personal experience that access to water is vital to the livelihoods and economic prosperity of Washingtonians, which is why one of my first actions in Congress was to introduce legislation aimed at developing new surface water storage projects in the west.
More on Water & Hydropower
What They Are Saying: Newhouse Elected Western Caucus Chairman
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On November 19, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress.
COLUMN: A Voice for the West
In Central Washington, we understand all-too-well the frustrations that come from feeling like rural communities are being ignored. Large cities and urban areas seem to suck all the air out of the room, leaving those of us in rural America feeling we do not have a voice.
Newhouse Applauds Executive Order to Support Reliable, Modernized Water Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order on “Modernizing America’s Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure.” The Executive Order establishes a Water Subcabinet of senior federal agency officials
PNW Members Applaud Final Decision on Columbia River System, Completion of Western Water Memorandum
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Pacific Northwest’s congressional delegation released the following statements after the final Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations was filed, signaling the completion of President Trump’s
COLUMN: Celebrating National Clean Energy Week
As someone who was born and raised in beautiful Central Washington, I understand the importance of bolstering our clean energy resources. For as long as I can remember, our communities have been recognized as a hub for innovative solutions that ensure a cleaner, brighter, more energy-efficient future for us all.
Newhouse Introduces Bill to Unlock Financing for Federal Water Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA), TJ Cox (D-CA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), and Josh Harder (D-CA) to introduce H.R. 8217, the WIFIA Improvement Act.
Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, Herrera Beutler React to Final EIS for Columbia River System Operations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement after the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released for the Columbia River System Operations:
ICYMI: Newhouse Introduces Bill to Expand & Promote Hydropower Production
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined Rep.
Newhouse Applauds USDA Investment in Rural Water Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s investment to improve water infrastructure in Mabton, Washington:
Newhouse, Scalise Lead 130 Members to Support NEPA Modernization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep.
