New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has unveiled a comprehensive 50-year water plan to address the impact of climate change on the state's water resources. This strategic initiative comes as the governor seeks legislative approval for a $500 million investment in water infrastructure, funded through severance tax bonds.
The plan's focus includes exploring new water sources like tapping brackish underground water, reusing wastewater from hydraulic fracturing and improving existing water infrastructure to prevent wastage.
Scientists Develop New Method to Quickly Break Down PFAS in Water
Researchers at the University of California-Riverside have developed an innovative technique to significantly reduce PFAS substances in water. Detailed in a recent study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, the method achieved a remarkable 95% breakdown of PFAS in just 45 minutes.
The new approach combines hydrogen and UV light to treat PFAS-contaminated drinking water sources. The process involves infusing hydrogen into the contaminated water, which then releases electrons and particles that attack the robust molecular bonds of PFAS. The application of UV light accelerates this reaction, rapidly disintegrating the toxic chemicals into harmless components.
California Officials Urge Congress to Address Crossborder Sewage Crisis
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers are intensifying efforts to secure federal funding to tackle the state's ongoing crossborder sewage crisis, particularly as another major storm approaches the region. Newsom has written to Senate and House leaders, backing President Joe Biden's request to allocate $310 million in emergency funds through a supplemental appropriations bill.
This funding is crucial for the repair and expansion of the deteriorating wastewater treatment plant at the U.S.-Mexico border, which frequently overflows with sewage from Tijuana. Additionally, California legislators have introduced a state resolution urging Congress to approve the funding and requesting Biden to declare the sewage crisis an emergency.
