WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public comment on a draft Reclamation Manual release for climate change adaptation. This policy establishes how Reclamation will address climate change impacts upon Reclamation's mission, facilities, operations and personnel.
Climate change impacts water supplies, water demands and other environmental conditions that affect Reclamation's ability to fulfill its mission. Specifically the policy (CMP P16) will:
* Assist in ensuring Reclamation effectively and efficiently adapts to the challenges posed by climate change to its mission, facilities, operations and personnel;
* maintain and enhance Reclamation's current and future effectiveness in fulfilling its program requirements and other federal mandates in this era of changing climate;
* ensure the best available science and understanding of climate change risks, impacts and vulnerabilities are incorporated into planning, programs, investments and operations;
* assist employees in performing related planning, programs, investments, and operations and coordination duties; and
* seek to avoid maladaptive actions that may limit Reclamation's ability to adapt to climate change in the future or increase the vulnerability of other systems, sectors or social groups.
The Reclamation Manual is used to establish Reclamation requirements, assign program responsibility and establish and document Reclamation methods of doing business.
This Reclamation Manual update is available for review at: www.usbr.gov/recman. To learn more about climate change impacts and adaptation activities, please visit www.usbr.gov/climate.
Comments or questions may be directed to Reclamation's Science Advisor David A. Raff, Ph.D., at draff@usbr.gov. Comments must be received by Reclamation by Jan. 17, 2015.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
