Davids Urges Federal Agency to Protect Water for Kansas Farmers

Last night, Representative Sharice Davids urged the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to consider expanding a water conservation program to include Kansas’ High Plains Aquifer (HPA). Farmers across Kansas depend on the HPA to support their businesses, but its water levels are declining, accelerating the need to find economically viable solutions that improve access to water in the long term. Davids, a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which created this conservation program.

"Agriculture is Kansas’ largest economic driver, but drought and low water supply threaten our state’s future economy and the livelihood of thousands of folks across the state,” said Davids. “As a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, I’m working to preserve our state’s resources and ensure our farmers and communities can thrive for years to come. I urge the Department of the Interior to fully consider adding Kansas to the LC Conservation Program, which would help secure a reliable and affordable water supply for our state’s residents.”

Much of Kansas has recently experienced some of the worst drought conditions in the country, impacting the state's agricultural industry. Additionally, the Ogallala Aquifer, which is part of the HPA and covers much of western Kansas, has seen its water supply reduced by more than 250 feet in some areas. A completely depleted Aquifer, which is currently a possibility in the coming decades, would likely mean economic devastation, driving up food costs across the state and displacing thousands of people.

The conservation program, known as the Lower Colorado River Basin Conservation and Efficiency Program (LC Conservation Program), was initially created to address the Colorado River Basin’s drought crisis. Now, the DOI plans to use an additional $500 million for projects in other basins with comparable levels of drought. To protect our state’s water supply, Davids is requesting the DOI fully consider Governor Laura Kelly’s request for Kansas to be added to the program.

“We fully endorse Rep. Davids’ efforts to address quantity and quality issues in the High Plains Aquifer System,” said Joe Newland, President, Kansas Farm Bureau. “These federal resources would go toward creating voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of Kansas agriculture and communities for generations to come.”

“A timely expansion of the LC Conservation Program is crucial to our efforts to mitigate economic impacts to communities in this region,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “The High Plains Aquifer is vital to our agriculture industry, small towns, and wildlife. Adding the aquifer to this program may allow the region to evade the worst of the potentially irreversible short and long-term consequences that are predicted.”

Davids has been working to secure a more reliable water supply for Kansas farmers and the families they feed. She previously requested a language change to this year’s annual water resource bill to save the State of Kansas more than $41 million. This would provide financial relief for the state and secure a more dependable and affordable water source for residents and businesses for years to come.

Davids is also working to craft a bipartisan Farm Bill that not only supports Kansas farmers but also lowers costs by securing agricultural supply chains. Davids recently hosted USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, Senator Pat Roberts, and other policymakers to discuss the successes and challenges of Kansas’ farmers and producers.

A full copy of Davids’ letter can be found here.