On December 3, 2009, the White House Council on Environmental Quality released a draft update to the Principles and Guidelines for Water and Land Related Resources Implementation Studies. The document setsthe framework for the management of all aquatic resources in the country.
Under existing guidelines, last updated in 1983, the only agencies covered were the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The proposed update would expand the scope of jurisdiction to include any federal agency that regulates water.
Late last year, SACOG Executive Director Mike McKeever and Consultant Stacey McKinley met with Terry Breyman, Deputy Director for Natural,Resources at the Council on Environmental Quality. Given the implications of expanding the jurisdiction, SACOG would like to have a voice in the decision making process and has suggested using the Sacramento region as a case study as procedures and guidelines are established.
Public comment will be accepted through March 6, 2010. The National Academy of Science is expected to review the document between now and November. Work will begin at the interagency level at the end of this month to begin drafting guidelines and, in parallel, policy for implementation.
SACOG staff and McKinley, under direction of the Board of Directors, will maintain engagement with the hope of further informing future regulation of water resources, flood management and land use.
For more information contact Stacey McKinley at smckinley@sacog.org.