TAAP Act

H.R. 5709, the TAAP Act (Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Reauthorization Act), would extend a federal program that facilitates scientific research and collaboration between the United States and Mexico on shared groundwater aquifers along the U.S.-Mexico border. The program, originally authorized in 2006, involves partnerships between the U.S. Geological Survey, universities in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and Mexican agencies to study groundwater quantity and quality in border regions.

If enacted, this bill would continue funding for research on transboundary aquifers that supply water to millions of people in border communities. The program focuses on four priority aquifers: the Hueco Bolson and Mesilla Basin in Texas and New Mexico, and the Santa Cruz and San Pedro aquifers in Arizona. The research aims to improve understanding of shared water resources and support better groundwater management during periods of drought and climate change.

The bill is currently in the House Committee on Natural Resources and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It is sponsored by Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and has bipartisan support.