1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Today I’m writing in support H.R. 4144, the Groundwater Rise and Infrastructure Preparedness Act by Representative Mullins (CA- South San Francisco). We must support this effort to tackle one of the unseen dangers of climate change. It’s gradual, but the bill seeks to employ the USGS to understand how widespread the problem really is. By directing the U.S. Geological Survey to comprehensively map and forecast groundwater rise patterns, as well as assess potential public health hazards, this legislation provides a critical foundation for developing effective mitigation strategies. Many communities across the nation, from coastal towns to inland cities, are already grappling with the consequences of rising groundwater levels. That includes flooded properties and streets, corroded infrastructure, and the spread of toxic contaminants, and these are just a few of the dangers we face if left unchecked. The economic toll could be staggering, with trillions of dollars in property and infrastructure at risk. As you may know, this legislation represents a pragmatic, science-based approach to a complex and often overlooked aspect of climate change. By equipping local governments and agencies with detailed, localized data on groundwater rise projections, we can empower them to design targeted, science-informed solutions tailored to their specific vulnerabilities. The time to act is now. I urge you to support the Groundwater Rise and Infrastructure Preparedness Act. Thank you for your attention to this matter.