Pete Domenici: “I rise today to join Senator Nelson of Nebraska to introduce the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of…”

“I rise today to join Senator Nelson of Nebraska to introduce the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006. I would like to thank Senator Ben Nelson; his strong leadership and hard work on this bill has been key in bringing us forward on this important issue. Drought is a unique emergency situation; it creeps in unlike other abrupt weather disasters. Without a national drought policy we constantly live not knowing what the next year will bring. Unfortunately, when we find ourselves facing a drought, towns often scramble to drill new water wells, fires often sweep across bone dry forests and farmers and ranchers are forced to watch their way of life blow away with the dust. This year, my home State of New Mexico is facing a very real threat of devastating drought, as our snow pack was far below average. We must be vigilant and prepare ourselves for quick action as this next drought cycle begins. Better planning on our part could limit some of the damage felt by drought. I submit that this bill is the exact tool needed for facilitating better planning. This Act establishes the National Integrated Drought Information System within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve national drought preparedness, information collection and analysis. This information system collects and integrates information on key indicators of drought in order to make usable, reliable and timely drought forecasts and assessments.…”