Kelly, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program

Last week, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Act (TAAP), a bipartisan, bicameral bill to reauthorize and expand the federal program supporting binational research on groundwater security, quantity, and quality in U.S.-Mexico border communities. 

Many border communities rely on transboundary aquifers for drinking water, agriculture, and industry, but critical information on water availability and quality remains incomplete. The TAAP—originally authorized in 2006—allows for collaboration between U.S. and Mexican agencies and universities, including the University of Arizona, New Mexico State University, and Texas A&M, to improve groundwater data and management. 

“Communities along the U.S.-Mexico border depend on transboundary aquifers for their water supply, but too often we lack the data we need to manage these critical resources,” said Kelly. “This bill will help ensure that we continue to study and improve groundwater security, benefiting families, farmers, and businesses on both sides of the border.” 

“Transboundary aquifers are essential to the success of our nation’s agriculture industry and vital to the wellbeing of Texans living along certain portions of the U.S.-Mexico border, but we don’t have all of the information we need to responsibly utilize this critical water source,” said Cornyn. “By reauthorizing the United States-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program, we will be able to ensure access to these aquifers so they can support communities for years to come.”

The house version was introduced in the House by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and has already passed the House Natural Resources Committee.