Skip to main content

Armed Services Committee Passes SEEC Member Rep. Carbajal’s Amendment to Strengthen Water Sustainability on Military Bases

May 10, 2018

Washington, DC – On Wednesday an amendment authored by SEEC Member Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24) to strengthen water sustainability and operational readiness on American military installations was adopted unanimously by the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). The amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to report on innovative ways to reduce water use across installations and to identify opportunities to replicate the successful water-saving tactics currently deployed at our installations to strengthen base readiness. The House Armed Services National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) legislation will now head to the full House of Representatives for a vote.

“Our military installations are not isolated from the impacts of climate change, and it is critical that our military is adequately prepared to address water scarcity threats, both in drought-impacted states like California and on bases around the world,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Some installations, including California’s Army bases, are already doing great work to address water shortages, such as planting more native species and increasing use of gray water systems. By looking at ways our military can maximize strategic use of water resources, the Department can reduce costs. I’m pleased that the Committee has taken steps today to improve our water security. As we continue to focus on readiness, we must also look at strengthening the resiliency of the military’s water infrastructure.”

“Water security is a vital component of military readiness and is especially important as we face the impacts of climate change,” said SEEC Co-Chairs Reps. Gerry Connolly, Paul Tonko and Doris Matsui. “This amendment to reduce water use across U.S. military installations builds on the great work that some of our bases have already begun is an important step to ensuring base readiness and resilience around the world. We commend Rep Carbajal’s leadership on this important issue, and we know SEEC members will continue to look for ways to work with our military to help ensure readiness.”

WATCH: Carbajal Offers Amendment to Enhance Water Security on Military Installations

The annual NDAA covers the breadth of the operations of the Department of Defense as well as the national security functions of the Department of Energy and other related areas. The annual national defense budget involves millions of military and civilian personnel, thousands of facilities, and hundreds of agencies, departments, and commands located around the world.